His Dark Materials: Audience and Industries blog tasks

 Audience

1) Read this audience rating guide for His Dark Materials. Based on the screening and this article, who do you think the target audience is for His Dark Materials and why? What about psychographic groups? You can revise Pyschographics here.

Target Audience:

Based on the screening and audience rating guide, His Dark Materials targets young adults and older viewers, particularly those aged 15 and above. The series' complex narrative and mature themes appeal to both fans of Philip Pullman's books and new viewers who enjoy fantasy and adventure genres.

Psychographic Groups:

1. Explorers: This group seeks discovery and new experiences. The detailed fantasy world and thought-provoking storyline attract Explorers who appreciate depth and novelty in their entertainment.

2. Reformers: Reformers value personal growth and intellectual stimulation. The series' themes of questioning authority and pursuing truth resonate with Reformers who enjoy media that challenges societal norms.

3. Aspirers: Driven by status and image, Aspirers are drawn to the high production values and sophisticated storytelling, which they can discuss and share within their social circles.

4. Mainstreamers: Valuing security and routine, Mainstreamers are family-oriented and prefer popular, widely accepted content. The series' broad appeal and adventure elements attract this group seeking quality entertainment.

2) What audience pleasures are offered by His Dark Materials - The City of Magpies? Apply Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory to the episode. Make sure you provide specific examples from the episode to support your ideas.

Personal Identity: 

His Dark Materials: The City of Magpies allows viewers to explore aspects of their own identities through the characters and their journeys. For instance, Lyra's bravery and curiosity resonate with viewers who see themselves as adventurous or seeking truth. Her struggle with understanding her destiny and her defiance against authority figures like the Magisterium may appeal to viewers grappling with their own beliefs and values. Will's journey, dealing with loss and responsibility, might resonate with those who have experienced similar challenges, offering a sense of connection and validation.

Personal Relationships: 

The episode fosters a sense of connection through its character relationships. Lyra and Will's burgeoning friendship provides a model of trust and cooperation that viewers can relate to or aspire to in their own relationships. The bond between Lyra and her daemon, Pantalaimon, also reflects a deep, intrinsic connection, akin to one's inner self or a close companion. These relationships allow viewers to form emotional bonds with the characters, feeling empathy and understanding through their interactions and development.

Diversion (Escapism): 

The City of Magpies offers significant escapism through its richly imagined world and thrilling narrative. The fantastical setting of the parallel universe, with its unique landscapes and mysterious elements like the city of Cittàgazze, transports viewers away from their everyday realities. The adventurous plot, filled with danger and discovery, allows viewers to immerse themselves in an exciting and different reality. For example, the scene where Lyra and Will explore the abandoned city creates a sense of wonder and suspense, providing a temporary escape from the mundane aspects of everyday life.

3) Thinking of the 3 Vs audience pleasures (Visceral, Vicarious and Voyeuristic pleasures), which of these can be applied to His Dark Materials? Refer to specific scenes or moments in the episode to explain your answer. Visceral Pleasure:

Visceral pleasure refers to the immediate, gut-level emotional responses evoked by intense sensory experiences. In The City of Magpies, several scenes provide visceral thrills:

• The Chase Scene: When Lyra and Will are pursued by spectral creatures in the abandoned city of Cittàgazze, the rapid camera movements, quick cuts, and tense music create a heart-pounding experience. The urgency and danger in this scene elicit a visceral reaction of fear and excitement.
• The Fight Sequence: When Will fights off attackers, the close-up shots, dynamic choreography, and impactful sound effects make the audience feel every punch and struggle, providing a raw, physical sense of engagement.

Vicarious Pleasure:

Vicarious pleasure involves experiencing situations and emotions through the characters, allowing the audience to live through them.

• Lyra and Will’s Bonding Moments: Viewers experience Lyra's and Will's growing trust and friendship as they navigate challenges together. For instance, when they share their personal stories and vulnerabilities, the audience feels a deep connection and empathy, experiencing the characters’ emotions vicariously.
• Exploration of Cittàgazze: As Lyra and Will explore the mysterious, deserted city, viewers share their curiosity and sense of discovery. This vicarious thrill is akin to exploring an unknown, fascinating world alongside the characters.

Voyeuristic Pleasure:

Voyeuristic pleasure comes from observing the private lives and intimate moments of characters, often without their awareness.

• Private Conversations: When Lyra speaks to her daemon, Pantalaimon, about her fears and doubts, viewers are privy to her most intimate thoughts. This insight into her inner life provides a voyeuristic thrill, allowing the audience to feel like silent witnesses to her private world.
• Magisterium Meetings: Scenes that show the inner workings and secretive meetings of the Magisterium offer a glimpse into the antagonists' strategies and machinations. Observing these hidden aspects of the story gives the audience a sense of privileged information, enhancing the voyeuristic pleasure.

In The City of Magpies, these 3 Vs—visceral, vicarious, and voyeuristic pleasures—are intricately woven into the narrative and visuals, making the episode a richly engaging experience for the audience.

4) How did fans react to Season 2 of His Dark Materials? What about critic reviews? You can find some possible answers for this in this BBC website article on the critical reception for His Dark Materials and watch the fan reaction video above.

Fans' Reactions:

Fans of His Dark Materials generally reacted positively to Season 2, appreciating the continuation of the intricate storylines and the development of beloved characters. According to fan reaction videos and social media feedback, several aspects stood out:

• Character Development: Fans were particularly pleased with the deepening relationship between Lyra and Will. Their growing bond and individual character arcs were highlighted as significant strengths.
• Visual Effects and World-Building: The show's high production values, including stunning visual effects and immersive world-building, were consistently praised. The depiction of the parallel universes and the mysterious city of Cittàgazze captivated viewers.
• Faithfulness to the Source Material: Many fans appreciated the series' adherence to Philip Pullman's novels, noting that the adaptation remained true to the spirit of the books while effectively translating complex themes and plots to the screen.

However, some fans expressed concerns about pacing, feeling that certain episodes were slower or more drawn out compared to others. Despite this, the overall sentiment remained positive, with anticipation building for the subsequent seasons.

Critics' Reviews:

Critics also responded favorably to Season 2, though with some reservations. According to a BBC article on the critical reception:

• Performances: Critics lauded the performances, particularly those of Dafne Keen (Lyra) and Amir Wilson (Will). Their portrayal of the central characters was seen as compelling and emotionally resonant.
• Cinematography and Production Design: The series was praised for its impressive cinematography and production design, which brought the fantastical elements of Pullman's universe to life with vivid detail and creativity.
• Narrative and Thematic Depth: The show received acclaim for its exploration of complex themes such as authority, free will, and the nature of consciousness. Critics appreciated how the series handled these philosophical questions within the framework of a fantasy adventure.

On the downside, some critics pointed out issues with the show's pacing and structure. They felt that certain episodes suffered from slow progress and that the narrative occasionally lost momentum. Additionally, a few critics mentioned that the series could be dense and challenging for viewers unfamiliar with the books, potentially making it less accessible to a broader audience.

Overall, both fans and critics recognized the strengths of Season 2 of His Dark Materials in terms of character development, visual appeal, and thematic richness, while also acknowledging some areas for improvement in pacing and accessibility.

5) What might be some of the preferred and oppositional readings for His Dark Materials? Why did some fans love it? Why have other people criticised it? 

Preferred Readings:

1. Empowerment and Agency: Some viewers may see His Dark Materials as a story of empowerment and agency, particularly for its young protagonists, Lyra and Will. They appreciate the narrative's focus on characters taking control of their destinies and challenging oppressive systems, resonating with themes of individual freedom and self-determination.

2. Exploration of Complex Themes: Fans praise the series for its exploration of complex philosophical and ethical themes, such as the nature of consciousness and the balance between power and responsibility. They find the depth and nuance of these themes thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating.

3. World-Building and Imagination: Many enjoy the richly imagined world of His Dark Materials, with its intricate lore and fantastical elements. They find escapism and wonder in the detailed settings and imaginative concepts, immersing themselves in the parallel universes depicted in the series.

Oppositional Readings:

1. Religious Controversy: Critics argue that the series presents a negative and one-dimensional view of organized religion, particularly in its portrayal of the authoritarian Magisterium. This depiction may be seen as offensive or controversial by those with strong religious beliefs.

2. Complexity and Accessibility: Some viewers find the series overly dense and challenging to follow, especially for those unfamiliar with the source material. The convoluted narrative and overwhelming world-building may lead to frustration and disengagement.

3. Pacing and Plotting: Another criticism is the pacing and plotting of the series, with some feeling that certain episodes or storylines drag or lack momentum. Tighter pacing and more streamlined storytelling could enhance audience engagement and interest.

Industries

1) Which companies produced this His Dark Materials series?

The His Dark Materials series was produced by a collaboration between Bad Wolf and New Line Productions. Bad Wolf, a UK-based production company, brought its expertise in high-quality, ambitious television projects, while New Line Productions, known for its success in adapting J.R.R. Tolkien's works, contributed its significant experience in fantasy adaptations. This partnership combined Bad Wolf's local knowledge and creative direction with New Line's extensive resources and experience in the fantasy genre, resulting in a visually stunning and faithfully adapted series that appealed to both fans of the original books and new audiences alike.

2) What were the UK viewing figures for A City of Magpies? How did this compare to season 1 of His Dark Materials?

The UK viewing figures for "A City of Magpies," the first episode of season 2 of His Dark Materials, were impressive, with approximately 5 million viewers tuning in. This marked a slight decrease compared to the premiere of season 1, which garnered around 7.2 million viewers. Despite the dip, the numbers remained strong, indicating sustained interest in the series. The viewership drop could be attributed to various factors, such as the natural decline following a series debut or increased competition from other shows. Nonetheless, His Dark Materials maintained a robust audience, reflecting its continued popularity and the anticipation surrounding its second season.

3) What was American network HBO's role in making His Dark Materials and why is this important? Look at the notes above for more on this.

HBO's role in producing His Dark Materials was pivotal, providing crucial financial support, creative collaboration, international distribution, and effective marketing and promotion for the series. Serving as the American network alongside BBC One, HBO brought significant resources and expertise to the project, ensuring a higher production budget, access to top talent, and extensive promotional efforts. This partnership not only lent credibility to the adaptation but also facilitated global reach through HBO's distribution channels, including its streaming platform HBO Max. HBO's involvement was instrumental in elevating His Dark Materials to a premium television series with widespread acclaim and audience engagement.

4) What famous stars are in His Dark Materials and why do you think they were selected for the show? Watch the Comic Con panel video in the notes above to see the stars talking about the show.

His Dark Materials boasts a cast featuring several renowned actors, including James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Dafne Keen. Each actor brings their unique talents and presence to the show, contributing to its success in various ways.

James McAvoy, known for his versatility and depth as an actor, portrays Lord Asriel, a pivotal character in the series. McAvoy's ability to convey complex emotions and commanding presence likely made him a natural choice for the role of the enigmatic and charismatic explorer.

Ruth Wilson's portrayal of Mrs. Coulter, the series' complex and morally ambiguous antagonist, adds depth and intrigue to the character. Wilson's ability to embody both charm and menace makes her portrayal compelling and memorable, drawing viewers into the character's manipulative and enigmatic nature.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's casting as Lee Scoresby, a charming aeronaut and adventurer, brings a charismatic energy to the character. Miranda's charisma and stage presence make him a natural fit for the role, adding humor and warmth to the series.

Dafne Keen's casting as the young protagonist, Lyra Belacqua, was a crucial decision for the show. Keen's performance in Logan showcased her talent and maturity as an actor, making her a standout choice for the role of the brave and resourceful Lyra. Keen's ability to convey Lyra's complexity and vulnerability resonates with audiences, grounding the series in her journey.

5) Who are Bad Wolf and what do they produce?

Bad Wolf is a British television production company founded by Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter in 2015. Named after the fictional creature in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, Bad Wolf is based in Cardiff, Wales, and has quickly become a prominent player in the television industry. The company is known for producing high-quality, ambitious dramas with a focus on genre storytelling and innovative narratives. Some of Bad Wolf's notable productions include the critically acclaimed series A Discovery of Witches, based on the bestselling novels by Deborah Harkness, and His Dark Materials, an adaptation of Philip Pullman's beloved fantasy series. Bad Wolf's commitment to bringing compelling stories to the screen, combined with its emphasis on world-building and visual storytelling, has cemented its reputation as a leading production company in the UK and beyond.

Comparison: Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child and His Dark Materials - The City of Magpies

1) How are the technical conventions different between 1963 Doctor Who and 2020 His Dark Materials (e.g. camerawork, editing, sound and mise-en-scene)?

Camerawork, Editing, Sound, and Mise-en-scene Differences:

In the original 1963 Doctor Who, camerawork was basic with static shots due to technological limitations, while editing was simple and linear. Sound relied on practical effects and analog recording. Mise-en-scene featured minimalist sets and low-budget production values. Conversely, in the 2020 His Dark Materials, sophisticated camerawork, digital editing, immersive sound design, and elaborate mise-en-scene create visually stunning and immersive storytelling experiences.

2) What similarities and differences are there between Doctor Who and His Dark Materials in terms of genre and narrative?

Similarities:

1. Fantasy Elements: Both series incorporate fantasy elements, with Doctor Who featuring time travel and aliens, while His Dark Materials explores magic and parallel worlds.

2. Adventure: Both shows revolve around adventurous journeys undertaken by their main characters, leading to encounters with various challenges and adversaries.

Differences:

1. Tone: Doctor Who often balances adventure with whimsy and optimism, while His Dark Materials tends to have a darker and more mature tone.

2. Narrative Complexity: Doctor Who typically features standalone episodes or mini-arcs, while His Dark Materials has a more serialized narrative with interconnected storylines.

3. Themes: Doctor Who explores morality and empathy through allegorical storytelling, whereas His Dark Materials delves into deeper philosophical themes such as free will and truth-seeking.

3) How are representations of people, places and groups similar or different in the two shows?

Similarities:

1. Diverse Characters: Both shows feature diverse casts, including individuals from various backgrounds and cultures, enriching the worlds they inhabit.

2. Complex Groups: Doctor Who and His Dark Materials both depict intricate groups and factions, each with distinct characteristics and motivations.

Differences:

1. Setting: Doctor Who spans time and space, while His Dark Materials explores parallel universes with distinct social structures.

2. Social Commentary: Doctor Who often addresses contemporary issues, while His Dark Materials delves into philosophical themes.

3. Conflict Portrayal: Conflict in Doctor Who often involves external threats, whereas His Dark Materials explores internal moral dilemmas alongside external adversaries.