The DVD cover I am analysing is season one, Orphan Black.
The genre of this cover appears to be science fiction and perhaps with an
element of mystery: I assume this as the dominant signifier is broken down into
sections of different characters as if it is a puzzle. The main image on the
front cover is made up by mostly using extreme close up shots of the characters
face which have a direct mode of address. On the bottom left hand corner is a
photograph of a character who looks shocked and questioning which may relate to
the genre of the TV series. We are made aware that the genre of this TV series
is also an action thriller which is stated in the synopsis: the photograph on
the back is of a character wearing black, which has connotations of power and
mystery, is attempting to run away or after someone.
The target audience for this TV Series is presumably aimed
at middle aged women – the characters on the front are female which suggest
that a feminine audience would be interested and find it easier to relate to.
The actresses’ name, Tatiana Maslany, is displayed at the top of the DVD cover
to inform the audience but also to encourage people to watch. The target
audience will possibly be familiar with this actress and view her as a positive
representation of women. Tatiana Maslany has featured in several other TV
series which the target audience may be familiar with such as ‘The Vow’ and
‘The woman in gold.’
The text used on the front cover is white and
turquoise. The connotations are that
these are colours that are linked to female characteristics such as innocence
and jealously. This is further
reinforced with the choice of font which is thin, almost fragile but is in
capitals which may connote the strength of the character. The characters personalities may also
reflect the style of the font: some of the women appear vulnerable and others
strong and powerful.
The back cover displays several screenshots of scenes taken
from the series which will help the audience to decide if they will proceed to
watch Orphan Black. The bottom left screenshot displays a wall with a red
question mark painted on it: red is an index of danger and this also represents
the genre of mystery as we begin to question the purpose of this photograph.
The young girl photographed on the bottom light is captured hiding behind a
wall – this again reflects the genre of the series as mystery. The audience may
also assume that Orphan Black contains scenes of romance as two screenshots
portray an intimate scene.
In these screenshots there are many different
representations of women which the TV series will likely explore. The top left
image shows a woman who is behaving submissively: she is allowing the male
character to guide her by placing his hand on her back to show his dominance.
This is a contrast to the top right image of a female character who is wearing
a black, leather bomber jacket who appears in control and rebellious. To the
left hand side of this image is a scene of a woman who seems to be caring for a
younger male character: she is placed in a domestic setting which is how women
were traditionally viewed. The final representation of women showed on the back
cover is a scene of a woman who is in love, however, it is important to notice
she is the dominant figure which we know because of her position – she is
closer and higher up to the camera angle.
The back of the DVD cover displays a quote which idolises
the main actress Tatiana Maslany. This
is a quote by Entertainment Daily which is a popular website used by the target
audience: this is therefore encouraging people to watch. Another selling point
which the cover contains is the BBC logo to inform that the series will be
played on this particular channel: BBC is a well-known and popular channel
which will persuade the target audience to watch. This DVD cover also informs
that it contains special features such as an interview with the main actress in
which fans of her will be encouraged to watch.
The DVD cover I am analysing is season one, Orange is the
new black. The genre of this DVD cover is a comedy-drama. The audience knows
this as they are informed on the back cover that the creator of ‘Weeds’ has
also produced this series. The target audience for Orange is the new black is
adults aged eighteen to thirty: the content in the series is sexually explicit
and contains adult humour. More specifically the TV series is aimed at women as
the plot is based in a women’s prison and there are significantly more female
characters. As well as this, people who are attracted to actresses such as
Taylor Schilling may be encouraged to watch as she is the male gaze.
The main protagonist
is the character Piper Chapman who is also the dominant signifier: the prison
uniform she is wearing represents that she is an outcast and isolated because
she is new. The characters in the background are seen to be relaxed as their
outfits are informal. The actress who plays Piper Chapman has a serious facial
expression and a direct mode of address which is ironic as the series is
humorous. It is apparent that the main protagonist contrasts against the
colourless and dull background which reveals aspects of her personality and
foreshadows the plot.
The text used on the front cover is coloured black and red
which uses a distorted feminine font. The colour black is associated with
power, elegance and formality whereas the colour red has connotations of danger
and passion. The tagline uses a metaphor ‘every sentence is a story’ which
implies that every character will be unique and have their own series of
events.
On the back cover are several character profiles who feature
in the first season: this is designed to introduce the audience to the
characters and encourage them to watch as they contain aspects of comedy and
the male gaze: for example, ‘crazy eyes.’ Above the screenshots of character
profiles is a quotation taken from a trusted source ‘San Francisco Chronicle’
and therefore a mark of quality. This is a unique selling point as the audience
are told this series is a ‘New definition of television excellence.’
On the bottom of the back cover is the technical information
which informs the audience of the episode duration, the subtitles available and
the year it was released.
The target audience for the DVD cover Breaking Bad is aimed
at young adults between the ages of eighteen to thirty as the mature content
involving drug use and weapons would not appeal to children. More specifically,
the DVD cover is aimed at men are there is a lack of female figures which would
not entice female viewers.
The front cover contains several enigma codes which
encourage the audience to question to direction of the prop and the location
the characters are in. The font is made up of chemical element symbols which
portrays the scientific theme of the show which is perhaps illegal science due
to the use of the gun and deserted location. Following on from the element
symbols the font is printed in curved white text which shows the cover is
informal and relaxed. The front cover also contains a banner informing the
audience of the 2009 Emmy Award given to Bryan Cranston who is the main
protagonist.
On the back of the DVD cover is a positive quote taken from
a trusted source ‘Matthew Gilbert, The Boston Globe’ which is a mark of quality
as the audience may be familiar with this newspaper. There are several
snapshots of the characters face in the form of a hexagon using a close up shot
which will familiarise and introduce the audience to these. The DVD cover also contains ‘bonus features’
a unique selling point which will encourage the audience to buy the TV series.
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