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Sitcoms Knowledge Organiser 4- FriendsIndustry & AudienceProduction & InstitutionsProduced by Kevin Bright, Marta Kaufman and David Crane. They wrote the script for the pilot, which they pitched to NBC who commissioned the series. The Pilot is our set text- ‘The One Where Monica Gets A Roommate’.Filmed at Warner Bros studio- very successful studio which has produced lots of TV for US broadcast networks, as well as subscription channels such as HBO and online services such as Netflix.Filmed in front of a large studio audience using a multi-camera set up- similar to the conditions of live comedy or a play.Warner Bros is owned by TimeWarner, a large multi-media conglomerate – the success of the parent company allows them to produce shows with large budgets and high production valuesIn season 1, the cast was paid $22,5000 per episode, rising to $1m per episode for the final season (10). The success of the show led to a much higher budget. NBC paid Warner Bros $10m per episode for the final season.The final episode was watched by 8.6 million people in the UK in 2004.Technology Change affecting the showIn 1994 some of the more modern technology impacts did not affect the showStreaming technology and digital box-sets/downloads have given the viewer more flexibility in how to view the show beyond physical media (DVD/BluRay)RegulationThe BBFC rates S1E1 (the set text) as 12 for ‘moderate sex references’Most episodes are rated 12, though some are PG. This allows it to reach a wide family audience, and allows it to be broadcast before the watershed. In the US, it was rated TV-14TV-14 – these shows may be unsuitable for children under 14. Due to the implications of sex, alcohol and mild profanity in a humorous way it was felt that this programme was appropriate for those over 14.Target AudienceThe main target audience are ABC1 women aged 25-44- according to Channel 4 (this is based on who they sell the advertising slots within the episode to)However, the show had (and continues to have) wide appeal to different genders and age groupsThose who watched the original series as teens are potentially now watching it with their children, and new teenagers are now discovering the show due to the ease of access on Netflix and frequency of broadcast on Comedy Central.Channel of BroadcastBroadcast first on Channel 4 in the UK in 1995, then move to Sky for 5 years from 1996-2001Channel 4 re-claimed the rights in 2001, paying a large fee (reportedly $100m) for the rights to broadcast Friends and other Warner Bros shows. This was a large proportion of their programming budget (Channel 4 don’t make their own shows, they commission (pay others to make) or purchase shows from the US etc)- which shows the popularity of Friends and the importance to Channel 4.Friends moved to E4, as it fits into the channels 16-34 target demographic. It was repeated extensively on both E4 and Channel 4 until 2011The rights to Friend were bought by Comedy Central in 2011, where it is still shown multiple times a day. This is a digital subscription channel, so Friends no longer is broadcast on free-to-air channels available on freeview.It is available to stream on Netflix, as well as being available to purchase on Amazon and iTunes. This range of platforms and formats show the popularity of the show nearly 15 years after the final episode. It also shows how it is still a premium product and those wishing to watch it have to have some sort of paid subscription or pay to own the episodes.How Friends appeals to its audienceThe appeal of the show can be linked to the uses & gratifications theory:Entertainment- comedies are funny and therefore designed to entertainEscapism- especially the NY setting for a British audiencePersonal identity- some of the situation and plots will resonate with the characters and identify with elements in their own lives- such as friendship, work and relationships.Personal identity- an older audience will feel a sense of nostalgia, as if they have grown up with the characters.Social interactions- the show was a ‘watercooler topic’- a TV show that was discussed the next day at work/school. It remains relevant today with the release on Netflix covered by British media and gaining comment on social media3920264-178793500Production ProcessOn the right is the production process for a US Television Show >>>Merchandise & promotionSynergy: The Theme song (‘I’ll be there for you’ by The Rembrandts) was co written by two of the writers of the show. It was the first No1 single for the band- due to the success and popularity of the show. The record label was Warner Record- part of the same company as Warner Bros Pictures who made FriendsThere is still a large range od merchandise available for the show, nearly 15 years after the end of the show, showing its continued popularity. These merchandise items include mugs and cups, stationary, furniture, posters, clothing and technology accessories.A lot of merchandise is also unofficial as other companies try ot make money from the popular brand ................
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