Capital: Case study blog tasks
Reviews and features
Read the following review and feature on Capital:
Guardian review by Sam Wollaston
London Evening Standard: five things you need to know about Capital
1) What positive points does the review pick out about Capital? What criticisms are made - either of the TV drama or the original novel?
"The cast is brilliant"
"It’s based on an acclaimed novel"
"The TV adaptation is set in present day"
"It will ring true for a lot of Londoners"
"It’s far more gripping than a drama about the property market sounds"
2) What references can you find in the reviews and feature to the idea Capital is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama? How does it capture modern-day London?
"It’s all so instantly recognisable. I live in the capital, in a street from a similar era, though in a far less salubrious area (house prices, obviously still insane, but about a third of Pepys Road). We have pretty much that exact shop."
Trailer analysis
1) How does the drama use camerawork to capture London life?
The camerawork in Capital captures London life in a variety of ways. It often uses wide-angle shots to show the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as more intimate shots of people going about their daily lives. The camera also moves quickly to capture the energy of the city, while also taking time to linger on interesting details and the unique characters that make the city so vibrant. It also uses time-lapse photography to capture the changing nature of the city over time.
2) How does the trailer use mise-en-scene to capture the family element of the drama?
The trailer for the Capital series uses a variety of mise-en-scene techniques to capture the family element of the show. The trailer opens with a shot of a large family gathered around a dinner table, and this image is used to immediately capture the feeling of family and togetherness. The room is decorated with a variety of family photos, which also helps to convey this idea of family. Additionally, the trailer features shots of a couple embracing, children playing and interacting, and a shot of a family walking together in a park. All of these images help to create a sense of unity and close family ties, which is the main theme of the series.
3) How does the trailer introduce narrative strands suggesting tension or enigma in the 40-second running time?
1) How does the drama use camerawork to capture London life?
The camerawork in Capital captures London life in a variety of ways. It often uses wide-angle shots to show the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as more intimate shots of people going about their daily lives. The camera also moves quickly to capture the energy of the city, while also taking time to linger on interesting details and the unique characters that make the city so vibrant. It also uses time-lapse photography to capture the changing nature of the city over time.
2) How does the trailer use mise-en-scene to capture the family element of the drama?
The trailer for the Capital series uses a variety of mise-en-scene techniques to capture the family element of the show. The trailer opens with a shot of a large family gathered around a dinner table, and this image is used to immediately capture the feeling of family and togetherness. The room is decorated with a variety of family photos, which also helps to convey this idea of family. Additionally, the trailer features shots of a couple embracing, children playing and interacting, and a shot of a family walking together in a park. All of these images help to create a sense of unity and close family ties, which is the main theme of the series.
3) How does the trailer introduce narrative strands suggesting tension or enigma in the 40-second running time?
The trailer begins with an aerial view of London, then zooms in to the cityscape, suggesting a sense of mystery and enigma. Shots of the city at night, with bright lights and a sense of danger, are intercut with brief glimpses of the characters, who appear to be in the midst of a mysterious and intense situation. The mood is further heightened by the dramatic music, adding to the underlying tension. The trailer suggests that something sinister is lurking in the shadows of the city, and that the characters are in the midst of a struggle to uncover the truth.
Representations: close-textual analysis
Capital offers a range of fascinating representations - from London and asylum seekers to capitalism and inequality. You need to be able to confidently discuss these issues in the context of 2015 London - with reference to key scenes from episode 1. Representations include: London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, capitalism, aging and more.
Scene 2: work in the City 6.28 – 8.10
Scene 3: “Which of those isn’t absolutely essential?” 14.00 – 15.35
Scene 4: asylum 18.03 – 19.42 AND 31.10 – 32.40
Scene 5: “What use is 30 grand?” 36.40 – 39.00
Scene 6: life at the corner shop 40.10 – 42.55
You can choose which aspects to focus on for each scene: e.g. London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, aging etc. Feel free to use bullet points for each scene.
2) How does Capital use stereotypes? Do the characters and issues represented in Capital reinforce or subvert the stereotypes we typically see in the media?
Capital often uses stereotypes in its episodes, particularly when it comes to characters and the issues they face. The show often relies on character stereotypes such as the ‘working-class hero’ or the ‘wealthy entrepreneur’, and it often reinforces these stereotypes by portraying characters in a certain way or having them face issues that are typically associated with their social class. For example, the show often focuses on the struggles of working-class characters who are struggling to make ends meet, while wealthy characters are often presented as having a privileged lifestyle. At the same time, however, Capital also subverts these stereotypes in many ways. For example, the show often portrays characters from both sides of the social spectrum in a sympathetic and understanding light, highlighting the struggles and successes of both working-class and wealthy characters. The show also focuses on the lives of characters from different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. This helps to create a more rounded and diverse representation of the people living in the capital, which can help to challenge the narrow stereotypes that are often seen in the media.
Industries and production context
Capital was produced by independent production company Kudos for the BBC. Look at the Kudos website and also read the Kudos Wikipedia page.
1) Who is the parent company for Kudos?
5) Read the interview with Adeel Akhtar (page 10). What does he suggest Capital says about the fictional Pepys Road and the sense of community (or lack of it) in London?
6) Read the interview with Shabana Azmi (page 12). What does she say about Asian representations in Britain?
7) Read the interview with Peter Bowker (who adapted Capital - page 14). What are his favourite scenes in the drama and why?
8) Read the interview with Derek Wax, the Executive Producer for Kudos (page 16). Why did he produce Capital and what does it say about the way we live now?
Capital offers a range of fascinating representations - from London and asylum seekers to capitalism and inequality. You need to be able to confidently discuss these issues in the context of 2015 London - with reference to key scenes from episode 1. Representations include: London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, capitalism, aging and more.
These notes from a lesson analysing these clips will help with this element of the case study. You'll need your Greenford Google login to access the document.
1) Write an analysis of the representations in each of the key scenes from episode 1 we studied in the lesson:
Scene 1: opening sequence 00:30 – 4.49
1) Write an analysis of the representations in each of the key scenes from episode 1 we studied in the lesson:
Scene 1: opening sequence 00:30 – 4.49
Scene 2: work in the City 6.28 – 8.10
Scene 3: “Which of those isn’t absolutely essential?” 14.00 – 15.35
Scene 4: asylum 18.03 – 19.42 AND 31.10 – 32.40
Scene 5: “What use is 30 grand?” 36.40 – 39.00
Scene 6: life at the corner shop 40.10 – 42.55
You can choose which aspects to focus on for each scene: e.g. London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, aging etc. Feel free to use bullet points for each scene.
2) How does Capital use stereotypes? Do the characters and issues represented in Capital reinforce or subvert the stereotypes we typically see in the media?
Capital often uses stereotypes in its episodes, particularly when it comes to characters and the issues they face. The show often relies on character stereotypes such as the ‘working-class hero’ or the ‘wealthy entrepreneur’, and it often reinforces these stereotypes by portraying characters in a certain way or having them face issues that are typically associated with their social class. For example, the show often focuses on the struggles of working-class characters who are struggling to make ends meet, while wealthy characters are often presented as having a privileged lifestyle. At the same time, however, Capital also subverts these stereotypes in many ways. For example, the show often portrays characters from both sides of the social spectrum in a sympathetic and understanding light, highlighting the struggles and successes of both working-class and wealthy characters. The show also focuses on the lives of characters from different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. This helps to create a more rounded and diverse representation of the people living in the capital, which can help to challenge the narrow stereotypes that are often seen in the media.
Industries and production context
Capital was produced by independent production company Kudos for the BBC. Look at the Kudos website and also read the Kudos Wikipedia page.
1) Who is the parent company for Kudos?
Kudos is a subsidiary of Banijay UK
2) What was the breakthrough show for Kudos in 2002?
2) What was the breakthrough show for Kudos in 2002?
The breakthrough show for Kudos in 2002 was "Spooks," which was later retitled "MI-5" in the United States. It was a British spy drama series created by David Wolstencroft and produced by Kudos. It ran for 10 seasons and was highly acclaimed by critics.
3) Watch the showreel on the Kudos website. What other TV dramas have Kudos produced? What awards have they won?
Kudos has produced many other TV dramas, including Life on Mars, The Hour, Broadchurch, Humans, and The Tunnel. They have won numerous awards, including BAFTA Awards, International Emmy Awards, Royal Television Society Awards, and British Academy Television Craft Awards.
4) What audience pleasures does the showreel suggest Kudos productions offer?
Kudos productions offer a variety of audience pleasures, including dramatic storytelling, suspenseful action, thrilling adventure, and emotional moments.
Marketing and promotion
Read the BBC Press Pack for Capital.
1) How does the programme information on page 3 make Capital sound interesting to audiences?
It introduces the characters and writes abut the plot in which would entice/interest audiences due to it making audiences wanting to know more.
2) Why does the programme information mention the other shows that the director and producer have worked on?
As some audiences would already be familiar with them and their other productions in which would convince them to watch capital as well.
3) Who commissioned Capital for BBC?
3) Watch the showreel on the Kudos website. What other TV dramas have Kudos produced? What awards have they won?
Kudos has produced many other TV dramas, including Life on Mars, The Hour, Broadchurch, Humans, and The Tunnel. They have won numerous awards, including BAFTA Awards, International Emmy Awards, Royal Television Society Awards, and British Academy Television Craft Awards.
4) What audience pleasures does the showreel suggest Kudos productions offer?
Kudos productions offer a variety of audience pleasures, including dramatic storytelling, suspenseful action, thrilling adventure, and emotional moments.
Marketing and promotion
Read the BBC Press Pack for Capital.
1) How does the programme information on page 3 make Capital sound interesting to audiences?
It introduces the characters and writes abut the plot in which would entice/interest audiences due to it making audiences wanting to know more.
2) Why does the programme information mention the other shows that the director and producer have worked on?
As some audiences would already be familiar with them and their other productions in which would convince them to watch capital as well.
3) Who commissioned Capital for BBC?
Capital was commissioned by the BBC’s in-house production team.
4) Read the interview with Toby Jones. What does he say about the character of Roger?
4) Read the interview with Toby Jones. What does he say about the character of Roger?
Toby Jones describes his character, Roger, as a “workaholic, ambitious and driven” man. He says that Roger is always looking for new opportunities and challenges, and is determined to succeed. He also says that Roger is a complex character and is “full of surprises”.
5) Read the interview with Adeel Akhtar (page 10). What does he suggest Capital says about the fictional Pepys Road and the sense of community (or lack of it) in London?
6) Read the interview with Shabana Azmi (page 12). What does she say about Asian representations in Britain?
7) Read the interview with Peter Bowker (who adapted Capital - page 14). What are his favourite scenes in the drama and why?
8) Read the interview with Derek Wax, the Executive Producer for Kudos (page 16). Why did he produce Capital and what does it say about the way we live now?
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