Ill Manors broadcast: music video analysis

Ill Manors broadcast: music video analysis

Media Forms

The conventions included in Plan B's music video all include the ones that we would naturally associate with an average music video. These include things like fast pace editing and beat matching, which create audience interest. This allows the fast pace editing to create tension and to move on the storyline they are trying to create. Music video uses fast-paced cuts to match the rhythm of the song which is very electric and upbeat. The cuts are edited quickly to reinforce the rhythm of the song; also, footage from the London riots which took place in 2011 is used. This creates a montage and like other music videos this promotes a message about how the working class are not seen as significant is society and ultimately they resort to violence. To add, there was a lot of close-ups of Plan B, a typical music video will address the audience with close-ups of the attests. The close up of Plan B's face also allows him to lip sync his lyrics which is typical of a music video this is to create stability and realism. Typically, hip-hop music videos promote the ideal lifestyle through the use of flashy cars, women and alcohol but because this is a protest song it focuses on how the working class are portrayed not so much the lifestyle they want to carry out. 

The setting of it is in a run-down area of London. It also depicts some real life scene from the London riots which was in the same area. In addition, music videos are set in unusual locations, such as rooftops, fields etc. So, in the music video Plan B is smoking on top of a rooftop, and he may have used this idea to convey to the audience the rebellious society they live in. The narrative becomes clearer as the music video progresses, showing youths behaving disorderly, and their confrontations between the police during and after the riots, having been provoked by the government and being isolated from society. The non-diegetic music and rapping from Plan B promotes a satirical message about the representation of working class and underclass youths in the media.

If we were look to look at Andy Medhurst's Theory of stereotyping on the short hand we could apply this here as we see all of the negative stereotypes of council estates and the people that live there in a short space of time as it is in a music video which is significant,Examples of the stereotypes include Plan B saying "Urban Safari", Safaris are often used to connote wildlife in jungles or deserts so to compare the people living in this part of London to that makes them seen like they're animals just to be looked at. Plan B's use of direct mode of address is prevalent when the lyrics pinpoint the fact that government fail to create opportunities for these youths, before blaming the youths themselves, a recurring idea throughout the song

Media Representation

In this music video we see scenes from the real London riots and staged ones but also it  gives a dominant representation of the London rioters with the few alternative views concerning police violence.The use of establishing shots in the beginning of the music video (to show London "burning") makes you see the full scale of violence that was caused.The music video therefore shows a negative representation of London as it is not what the rest of the world and un-informed domestic audiences see London as, they see it as a place of wealth and tourism and are unaware that it is surrounded by these council estates which are all assumed to be bad because of shorthand stereotypes linked to Medhursts theory and as a result, of the video glamorizing violence, it's expected that society makes changes before the working oppose a bigger threat to society. 

However, footage of the Police becoming violent portrays an alternative representation of the police force as we would normally see them as doing right by the law. On the other hand, the weaponry that the police had against the rioters were patronising the rioters. This is because the riot squad had full armour, a shield and a baton. This represents that the police units against the rioters were further powerful in a way which devalues the strength of the rioters. This portrayal supports Perkins idea that some stereotypes are of those in power, as the police are considered to be in power, but the stereotype is that they are corrupt.

The media in general present the rioters as negative and, as a result, their image of being corrupt is reinforced through the music video especially when it shows people fighting each other and Plan B is in front of them still rapping. It also shows how there are no role models in society as the youth are easily influenced. The people themselves who are taking part in the riots are seen to be young and represented as being working class due to the hooded clothes that are being worn. The rioters are seen to be harmful and endangering those who are around them. Although, the music video represents youth/rioters as hoodlums and hooligans, alternatively, it has been done this way satirically in order to expose how the media's portrayal of underprivileged underclass youth has led to moral panic. The reason why an insider audience (from London) may see the youth as chavs or hooligans and just people on "council estates" is because these representations are formed from the ideologies that have been passed down form the opinion leaders which are usually the government and higher class white people. This links to Levi Strauss's theory on representation and ideology. Strauss also wrote about the producer of the text holding the set of values and beliefs but this doesn't link well with what Plan B may have been trying to communicate 

Media Audiences

 The main pleasure is shown as entertainment for the audience with the use of the music, and visual graphics keeps the audience entertained throughout the video. In addition, one key theme in this video, is violence which is another factor in keeping the audience entertained. The use of the narrative could be a way for the audience to just entertain themselves and those who are admirers of Plan B and his music would also be watching the music video to view him. The video itself was released to create awareness about the kids that live around council estates and how they aren't as they seem to be portrayed to the rest of British society. There's a sense of the youth wanting freedom. The 'Uses and Gratifications Theory' would be prominent here as the audience are active.This music video would mainly appeal to the younger generation as they would be able to relate to the things going on in the music video more and would be entertained in scenes where there's violence, such as the police getting attacked. However, the older generation would be completely against with the things that went on in the music video. 

The music video is a protest video, which has been used to create awareness and educates people about council estate youths and the government, and how these individuals act this way because of the government, yet are criticised by the government. The audience is educated with the knowledge about what is happening during the London riots and who is being victimised. It could cause the audience to be more rebellious and question what they believe and what is being portrayed in the media. Some members of the audience may seem themselves being represented in the music video as they could be from a low income family or see themselves as being part of a group of gang. A minority of that took part in the London riots may see themselves as being represented in the video which is one of the reason which they wish to view the video and is a source of pleasure for them.

Media Institution

The cross-promotional music video creates synergy due  to the fact that it features characters from the film 'ill manors' by Plan B, promoting the film. However, the song also features in the film, and trailer, thereby creating synergy simultaneously. The video helps promote the film through the same name. Likewise, the shorthand for identification (Medhurst) accentuates the scenes that may occur in the film. This promotes the film as for the people who have been through the riots would want to see how they have been represented as, and whether their stereotype is being subverted or reinforced. 

The music video also helps promote the film as it stars the director of the film and rapper of the music video Plan B himself. This will make him more noticeable to the audience and as a result they are more likely to see the link between the film and the music video as they both promote eachother. The Plan B fanbase will also be more inclined to watch the film if they see him in a music video likewise if they see the film they are more inclined to watch the music video. It is unconventional, but is also clever of Plan B to use what he knows in the field of music and create a music video for the individual song, in order to promote his film. The characters create a clear link in the audience's mind that the film and music video are linked. 

Ill Manors soundtrack research task

Record companies & institutions: 

Released by Atlantic Records:

Parent company is Warner Music Group 

Distributor is Atlantic Records Group

Sales and Downloads:

The album sold at £3.99 and 38000 copies in just the first week alone these shows how successful the music video and album was. It was made free to download on the pre-order of the deluxe edition of the album. According to the Official Charts Company Ill manors artist album has been placed on the top with the other artist such as Jennifer Lopez.

Recording sessions for the album took place at The Sanctuary in London and Edge Recording Studio. On 8 February 2012, it was announced the album would be released on 7 May via Atlantic Records. Shortly after, the album's lead single, iLL Manors, premiered. 

Music/Fan reviews:

Plan B received good reviews from music critics, having a review of 83/100 from Metacrtic. Critics stated that Ben Drew (Plan B) was one of the boldest and lyrically ambitious pop star in Britain. The Telegraph stated the soundtrack on a production level is "cutting edge" and on a lyrical level the lyrics are "brutally brilliant" and how it will melt your ears and your heart, this makes sense as because a lot of the lyrics are strong challenging dominant stereotypes and what the media say about young kids who live in estates. The film was also very successful due to the downloads that it has received and also all the copies that have been sold. On YouTube the music video received over 7 million views and only 1,700 dislikes. The comments that were posted on were also very supporting of Plan B himself and this highlights the success it has had and how this also promotes the film.  

Ill Manors: film review

Ill Manors: film review

Ill manors directed by Ben Drew (Plan B) is an urban crime drama, which attempts and successfully portrays the harsh reality of life in London. The film covers subject matters of drugs, violence and sex, which are conventionally discussed in urban dramas.Throughout the film, it shows the different lifestyles of each character. The film is extremely intriguing and has the audience captivated at all times. During the movie, we follow the lives of 6 different characters, which all have different stories to tell the audiences about what they have been through; we see why they take upon certain actions in their life. Throughout the movie, the audience seem to start to sympathise with the characters along the way as we see what challenges they face and from what influences, through this we sympathise with the characters as we see the hardships that they have faced.

The narrative came from facts that either Plan B witnessed or actually lived , only tuned to heighten the drama, but not all from his imagination. Plan B conveys the different lives of each character and the problems they face. However, not only does he do this, he links each problem with another character creating a sought of cyclical multi-strand narrative. This is something effectively Plan B does as it balances out the different emotions of the audience but also the journey they have gone with those characters, it allows the audience to see different sides to the character which they can then connect to and some create personal identities with. 
Its set in Forest Gate, London, the film starts with characters Ed (Ed Skrein) and Aaron (Riz Ahemd) drug-managing. We see the representations of urban life being displayed in the film. The medications, cash and brutality had harmed individuals genuinely. The two fundamental characters (Aaron and Ed) had impacted a portion of the general population in their bequest into this terrible life. Plan B effectively permits the audeince to make individual associations with each of the characters. This was vital, as though this didn't happen individuals wouldn't think about the hardships and wouldn't have sensitivity for the characters. For instance, the two primary character's were great companions which numerous individuals can relate with having and the two would bring out a greater amount of one another's identities all through the film. 
The soundtrack suited each scene well and would become a sound bridge into another scene. The soundtrack acted as a narration for the film, where we would almost get an exposition for each character for each scene and so the audience is aware of their background and circumstances. The soundtrack also emphasised the fact that the antagonist’s past has created the person that they are today and that their current behaviours are almost out of their control as they have not known anything else. 

The audience for this would be a teenage (18 and above) and young adult because of the explicit nature of the film. It would be suitable for older ages but the film may not appeal to them as much as they are not as associated with youth culture. It may be equally suitable for male and female, however it may be a more predominantly male audience due to the violence and rap music which is usually associated with boys. This film is also more suited for a British audience as it is a fully British film and funded by British money (Micro Wave films London).Particularly in light of the fact that the film is focused at: a youthful group of onlookers (16-30 year olds), struggler and standard would be more keen on this film. 
In my opinion, the characters are not so unique as they share the same generic morals that people in the same predicament share, they do what they must to make a living and survive- no matter what the circumstance. One of the protagonists Ed who is played by Ed Skrien was an important acting role as the directors would need a few big named British actors to play the role in a British produced film. The character of Ed, although bad was portrayed in his society as one of the good guys- a hero and someone to look up to. World wide audiences may watch this film and it may impact them as they would be seeing a different side of London  but the domestic audience may or may not be more shocked to see that this realistic interpretation of London is happening in real life. It may be a reminder or a wake up call to show that more needs to be done to help young vulnerable people in economically deprived areas; which from the TEDx lecture Plan B was what made him want to do the movie.

Ill Manors broadcast: film trailer analysis

Ill Manors trailer analysis

What are the typical codes and conventions of film trailers - what information is usually provided?

There are many codes and conventions used inside film trailers to help advertise the film and create popularity and hype for the film. A key code is an enigma code created by the trailer revealing the equilibrium and disequilibrium providing elements of narrative, which is shown through the most intriguing clips from the film, grabbing the attention of the audience and raising anticipation for the film. Also, how the genre is represented, this is significant as the audience of the film is reliant of the demographic of which the genre is aimed towards.  The reputation of the film production can benefit success of the film, as if the audience are familiar with the production company i.e logo and have enjoyed films from them, they are more likely to watch it.This is done in order to create more hype over the film and to generate Brand Loyalty, as people who enjoy a certain director's work will trust the film to be just as great.  This links to another convention of film trailers is the relevancy of popular actors presented in the trailer, more popular well known actors will be shown more or have their names in the trailer to boost popularity or hype for the film being advertised. 

Furthermore, music is a key feature because they show the pace of the film, a film trailer will consist of parallel or non-diegetic sound but also diegetic sound through character dialogue, which created enigma codes. To that, voice-overs are important as they guide the audience through the film plot and characters. Editing in trailers is typically fast-paced, in the form of a montage, in order to show many aspects of the film, but also to create excitement and a fascinating visual image. Another piece of information generally shown is ratings, quotes and accolades. Ratings and quotes generally come from magazines and newspaper critiques, or even film critiques in general, which are promoting the film by giving a positive review because the audience may trust a certain critiques or newspapers/magazines reviews and opinions to others. Another code and convention of a film trailer are the typo-graphy, for example, the titles to help you understand parts of the film that the clips can’t convey and other titles, as tension and anticipating builds throughout the trailer through the fast-paced editing and enigma codes. A film trailer will also usually have more than one trailer with different sections of the film edited together but there is an official trailer which has the duration of 1-3 minutes. A more recent convention is the use of social media to promote a film i.e Twitter or Facebook to engage the audience and will enable sharing of a film creating awareness and availability for it. Lastly, the release date, like the title, is shown near the end and is essential to attract larger audiences to the premiere and grab the attention of the audience. 

How are trailers usually distributed? 

Distribution of trailers is dependant on the film itself, the franchise it belongs too and the budget of the film. For example, a less well known low British film will get less exposure the public than a bigger Hollywood film with a well-known distributor, they are more likely to have the money to buy advertisements of the trailer on TV as well as on the internet. So, the main way the trailers are distributed is through mobiles and online, this is the distributes blinding awareness by updating on information i.e teaser pictures, mini-clips and interactive poster to build awareness of the new film and grab the attention of large audiences. 

How does the Ill Manors trailer use film trailer conventions?

ill Manors use typical conventions of a trailer, throughout the whole trailer non-diegetic music is used which is the voice over by Plan B, the voiceover used in the trailer is very effective as the audience don't see who is speaking though would know it is the director which is Plan B. This creates synergy between the film and his song (soundtrack). There is also fast paced editing and so creating an interesting trailer to view.

Watch the trailer carefully and discuss how it might attract an audience. Firstly, think about who the target audience for Ill Manors might include. Does it have a unique selling point or use particular techniques to appeal to the audience? Consider the way the scenes are edited together – does the trailer give away any clues about the narrative? Are the main stars visible in the trailer? Is there information about the director of the film? Is there information about the release date? Is a narrator’s voice-over used? Why?

The target audience of Ill Manors would be young adults, mainly males, from the ages of 17-25+.  However, it may not be suitable for the younger audiences, due to the subject matter of the film, and featuring drugs, sex and violence. The genral demographic is young adult males, they would direct advertisement to magazines such as Men's Health, which have a predominantly male demographic. The film soundtrack may directly target the male audience due to the subject matters rapped about and urban genre with words about violence and sex. To add, Strugglers would be targeted at for the film, as they are more likely to enjoy it as they seek escapism from the real world. Some strugglers may relate to events in the film. However, it may also be aimed at explorers, as they like to experience new things, and due to the film being directed by Plan B, a renowned music artist, they will most likely be the first to see it. Plan B has enables the use of his soundtrack to tell the narrative of the film, engaging the audience and creating identification as many of the audience would be people who have come from the same rough background which Plan B raps about in the film. This may lead to the theory of stereotypes and how Plan be may reinforce those known stereotypes of the negative images of young people living in estates, even when he, himself. wants the film to be an educational insight into the life of people in the working/lower class. 

In the trailer itself there is a lot of endorsement of PLAN B's music, which was used to raise awareness of the movie due to his popularity. The endorsement features in all promotions, and there is even a music video for some of the tracks that feature in it. Featuring the track in the trailer is significant because it acts as a narrative voice over, relating to the story. Many of the characters in trailer are revealed but as the film itself has intertwine story lines with each other it would of been difficult for the advertisers to reveal the plot line. So, effectively, they use quick editing to show some character, but also use the most easiest and simple character plot which subtly doesn't reveal the whole story. This itself, is a trailer convention used to create curiosity in the audience viewing, so they are interested and want to see the film. The general idea of the film is there, urban gang, drugs, warfare and sex  and how it is based around the under privileged of East London. Through montage, key elements of the film's narrative are seen , due to iconography, as shots of drugs, cut to shots of violence and sexual behaviour. Key elements have been given away about the main character's past through the use of flashbacks in the form of monotone cinematography and super 8 shots, which depict kids growing up in social services but also the harsh upbringing of other characters. This can be seen as an element of iconography, as generally, in urban crime drama's, the character's have gone through harsh upbringing's, resulting in their lifestyle of drugs and violence, making it clear that these are central themes of the narrative.  

Interestingly, the main characters of the film do not have a much screen time in the trailer, the multi-strand narrative is revealed with short shots of characters with little one lined dialogue. This doesn't give too much away plot wise for the film, creating enigma codes and mystery and tension makes it ever more interesting for the audience.

How has the genre of the film been represented through characters, settings, lighting, colour, music/dialogue, camera shots/movements/angles and editing?

The genre is a teen urban crime drama. The setting is based in a council estate in London, the reinforced stereotype of 'thug' is shown in the costume of hoodies and snap backs. It is apart of inner city youth culture but we closely associate sportswear and hoodies with youths up to no good. This is a negative representation of youths, linking to Medhurts theory of stereotypes being shorthanded. There were close up's on characters faces and expressions showing the different camera shots, movements and angles in the trailer. Also, the low angle shots on characters convey power and puts the audience in an inferior place and so will identify said character with being the most powerful one. 

The non-diegetic music that is within the clip is produced by Plan B and his words act as a narration - like a voice over as well as a soundtrack. The fact that he says 'I am the narrator, allow me to take you back and fourth through time,' reflects the idea of the whole film being a story that Plan B raps his link between an urban crime drama and guns, drugs, violence and sex, representing urban lifestyle negatively, which reinforces the negative stereotypes of youth and estate people. It also gives us key insight into some of the characters, specifically Kirby, who has the most dialogue shown in the trailer. We see a shot of Kirby walking out of prison like a dominant character due to his stance and the way that he nonchalant  grins - which links to Propps theory of the 'villain.' The narrative structure of Todorov's disequilibrium is presented in this trailer too as we saw all the dysfunction of the urban life - revealing the negative representation of the genre within the film, the dysfunctional nature of urban life is presented in the film, through shots of chaos, violence, prostitutes and drugs. The use of dark and cool colours also there to show the gritty life of urban life and also has connotations of crime too. This goes against Plan's b use of his rapper platform to want to educate but also unwittingly reinforces those stereotypes he wishes to move from. 

January Assessment- LR

1) Type up your feedback in full in a new blogpost called 
www: 
You've clearly revised some media theory and terminology and pictures out some good aspects of the clip. Now we need to work on exam technique...
ebi: 
-Critical error: you don't answer the questions! Don't mention sound for mise-en-scene; for audience appeal you need to think pleasures: U+G theory etc. 
-Need more depth/detail to reach higher levels: three well developed paragraphs per Q minimum 

2) Read the Mark scheme and Examiners' Report for the Sussex Safer Roads MEST1 exam.

3) Use the information you read in the mark scheme and Examiners' Report to re-write your weakest question into a superb, well-developed answer below your typed up feedback. 

How does the film appeal to such a wide audience?
The film appeals to a wide audience in different ways. Firstly, the viral advert platform means that audiences are enabled to share it on social media sites i.e Twitter and Facebook, and through social interactions in comments sections re able to pass their own comments and debatable ideas. Audience pleasures taking into account the audience are taking in pleasure in a shared sense of discovery and so promoting a film that doesn't follow typical narrative conventions of a negative resolution from shocking 'stay safe' adverts.

The film engages a simple and understood metaphor, visually, to show the threat to a happy family and the universal message conveyed in a brief form without nothing distracting or off-putting dialogue. It is simple, emotive, that evokes empathy and engages the target audience in an immediate manner.The emotive music playing immediately engaging the audience, affirming the importance of family, in which each member plays an essential role in others safety. 

The film is also innovative i techniques used to convey the road safety message and will not exclude younger or older audiences and it has a sense of inclusivity show through the main role of the daughter in protecting her father. This appeal for the family audience is reinforced by the emotional aspects of the content, with fears and feelings easily identifiable by any member of the target audience, linking to personal or known experiences of safety issues that resonate with everyone viewing the film.

The British film industry- Factsheet 132

1) Use our brilliant Media Factsheet archive on the M: drive Media Shared (M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets)to find Media Factsheet #132 on British Film. 

2) Read the whole of Factsheet #132 British Film

3) Write a one-sentence definition of what makes a film British.

What determines whether a film is British or not, is down to whether it was set in the UK, the lead characters were British citizens or residents and whether the film was based on British subject matter or underlying material.

4) What is the difference between a Hollywood production context and production context of a British film?

For a British production,does not need clearly defined characteristics like Hollywood productions. It can be on a high or low  budget,have a spectacular plot or may rely more on the characters. A Hollywood production film would consist of a high budget, a well-known cast of celebrities and have brilliant intricate plots.

5) When did the James Bond franchise start?

It started in the early 1960's, specifically 1962 and back a phenomenon and iconic franchise known worldwide. 

6) In terms of film censorship and graphic content, what began to change in British film in the 1970s and 1980s?
During the 1960's, a sexual revolution began, going into the 1970's and 80's. Affecting the film industry and during the 1970's sexual content in films were on the rise. Prominent films during those times were the 'Carry On' franchise which contained a lot of sexual innuendos. Also, the rise of sex and violence began to rise, such as in 'A  Clockwork Orange' where there is a graphic scene of the main character being extremely violent and having non consensual sex with women.

7) What groups are often represented in British film? Give examples of films these groups feature in.

The portrayal of young people: Many films represent young adults in films to be violent and disruptive.For example, in films such as 'A Clockwork Orange' and In films such as 'Eden Lake,' youths are represented in a similar way. Women are also represented as either the virgin, the mother or the whore.

8) What does the Factsheet suggest might be the audience appeal of British film?

To appeal to a native British audience; the actors should be clearly identifiable as British, for example Hugh Grant. The use of  London and British locations as settings appeal largely to audiences as they identify with these known locations. The focus on class, social strife and education are also appealing. Appealing to audiences on a socially conscious level as they address current social and political concerns. 

The British film industry- Factsheet 100

The British film industry Factsheet 100

Find Media Factsheet #100 on the British film industry.

1)What is the 'cultural test' to see if a film counts as British?

The cultural test is a test that the BFI have produced in order for a film to be defined as British. It is divided into four sections and a film must score at least 16 out of 31 in order for the film to be classified as British. The four sections are; cultural context, cultural contribution, cultural hubs and cultural practitioners. 

2)Complete the task on the Factsheet, researching the films listed and finding out what they score on the cultural test: Sweeney, Attack The Block, The King's Speech, We Need To Talk About Kevin and Skyfall.

Sweeney- 31 (BRITISH)

Attack the Block- 31 (BRITISH)

The King's Speech-29 (BRITISH)

We Need To Talk About Kevin- 9 (BRITISH)

Skyfall- 29 (BRITISH)

5) What is the main problem for the British film industry?

There are lots of British film's to be made but they are produces d by foreign companies and so revenue is being lost through synergy (cinema screenings, DVD and Blu ray sales etc).Other problems faced by the British film industry include: glamorisation of american actors over their British counterparts, better pay in Hollywood movies and the popularity of theatre acting over film acting. 

6) What are three of the strengths of the British film industry?

The British film industry also have many strengths, such as outstanding creative skills from directions. Such as the Creativity skills of J.K Rowling's Harry Potter books have paved the way for successful British Films and has allowed the British film industry to be involved in the production of a very financially successful and loyal franchise. Another strength is that they have outstanding facilities, such as studios and camera companies, which attract investment from filmmakers around the world. The company BFI help with distribution cost so aided financially. 

7) What are the two options for the future of the British film industry?

British filmmakers can rely upon co-productions with American studios or attempt to make low budget films targeted at a niche, British audience. This would mean that the film will be able to remain a 'British' film.

8) In your opinion, which of these two options would best safeguard the future of the British film industry?

I think co-producing with an American film studio would be better for future British film as this would help the industry produce more successful films, without being restricted by what they want to produce. This would lead it to be a more low-budget film which will leave essence of British culture or social events.

Ideology: further reading and tasks

MM52

1) Read the article: Page 34: The World Of Mockingjay: Ideology, Dystopia And Propaganda

2) What view of capitalist ideology is presented in the Hunger Games films?
Capitalist ideology is presented as powerful people who are at the top and poor people at the bottom. Poor people take drastic measures of committing crimes to gain money as there are a lack of jobs, which is the issue with capitalism. While people in higher classes or 1% keep all the money amongst themselves, and don't go through as much 'struggle' to get their money.

3) What do the Hunger Games films suggest about the power of the media to shape and influence ideological beliefs?
The media has an extreme way to perceive different events to change ideological beliefs, to the point where it is so ingrained they are able to fully control everyone. In terms of media within the film, it is evident that it portrays media as having an immense amount of influence and power of the consumers. it has the ability to create fear and overall a negative effect on the consumers of it even if there is empty threat within it. Katniss, once, represented the 'false consciousness' of the Games, now a symbol of radicalism because of manipulation from the media. This leads to power struggle between The Capitol and District 13, as the Capitol try to take back power by, again, trying to manipulate the media as well, in the terms of using Peeta, who they still have captive. The truth being is that they are ideologically led by the idea that the rich Capitol are the consumers, and the starving district are their providers.

1) Read the article

2) What are the four accepted ideological beliefs in western societies highlighted by the article?
Money= Happiness
Consumer goods = Fulfilment
Marriage/Family/Children = Happiness
Obedience/Work= Fulfilment

3) What does Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggest about power and ideology in society?
Hegemony is an important way in which those in power maintain their control though consent, rather than the use of force and is the the ability of the dominant class to project its own way of seeing the world so that the masses, those who are dominated by it, accept it as 'common sense' and 'natural'. 

4) What does French theorist Louis Althusser suggest about ideology and consumerism?The French theorist provides a way of understanding how we are governed through ideology. His view was that ideology is the greatest material power and mediates our day t o day lives through Repressive State Control (dominated by the ruling elite) and Ideological state apparatus.

5) Do YOU agree with the idea behind They Live - that we are unthinkingly controlled by the media which is run in the interests of the economic elite? These are the big questions of A Level Media!
I do agree with this idea. I believe that our society is being controlled by those with more authority because of their power and often media is a tool they use to achieve this and further their agendas. However, Yes, many people are heavily controlled by the media, in the interests of the economic elite, but Many people resist the control of the media, if they are unable to attain newspapers or don't watch T.V or news outlets are much less likely to be controlled by the media which is controlled by the economic elite.