Theory on Stereotypes

Task 1:


Stereotypes aren't always negative: This is true in relation to the migrants, which are presented as the protagonists of the piece rather than villains like in some stereotypes. However, with the immigration officers, who are white, the stereotype is negative as they bully the less powerful.


They aren't always about minorities or less powerful groups: In the clip, this is true, as the stereotyped powerful white bullies are shown, however, the focus of this extract is on the less powerful migrants.


They can be held about one's own group: This is true, as the extract is aimed towards to majority white audience and is presenting a stereotype of white bullies.


They are not rigid or unchanging: The extract shows a change in society's stereotype with the woman on the front desk, as in the 40s-60s, the person on the front desk would have been a man but now its stereotyped as a woman, which is shown in the extract.


They aren't always false: Of course, there will be some white people that are bullies and there will be some migrants that act as protagonists but these are just stereotypes and are thus not true for everyone in the group.


Task 2:


The theory of Cognitive Dissonance is somewhat disproved by the success of programmes like Hotel Babylon. This is because the theory suggests that we seek out confirmation of our common stereotypes, thus being attracted to programmes that present these stereotypes. However, Hotel Babylon, and programmes like it, are unconventional, aiming to break these stereotype but their success opposes the theory of Cognitive Dissonance.


Task 3:


Alvarado's Racial Stereotype Theory:


Alvarado theorised that racial stereotypes will always be portrayed in one of 4 ways:

• Pitied - Racial Stereotypes may be presented as weak, to make us feel superior, and that they need to be pitied. An example of this representation can be seen in the following clip (showing a pitied African stereotype):

• Humorous - Racial Stereotypes may be used to humour the audience, using the stereotype as comic relief. An example of this representation can be seen below (showing a humorous Scottish stereotype):

• Dangerous - Racial Stereotypes may be used to show the danger presented by particular groups and encourage the audience to fear them. This clip shows an example of this representation (showing a dangerous Asian stereotype):

• Exotic - Racial Stereotypes may be used to show how different certain ethnicities are. Commonly, this is used to either with characters speaking different strange languages and eating uncommon foods. An example of this representation can be seen in this extract:



Film Production Terms



Matthew Vaughn (Director) on set of Kingsman: The Secret Service

Development - This is simply the process of 'finding' a story. Ideas for films come from a variety of sources, they can range from novels, real life events to computer game adaptations. Once you've got an idea you'll need someone to write a pitch for you which you take to a film producer in an attempt to get some funding to make your film. Even at this very early stage you need a very clear idea of who you're aiming you film at so you can include elements that will appeal to them.

Pre-production - Once you've got funding you establish your budget and can begin to get a film crew together, you can storyboard the script. You also need break the script down into individual scenes and identify all the locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects and visual effects needed.

Production - This is simply the process of 'making' the film. Provided you've done your job properly in the pre-production stage making the film should be straight forward. 'Film' is very expensive and difficult to store so an increasing number of film makers are using digital cameras to save money.

Post-production - During this stage you take all the 'film' you've shot and give it to a film editor. They will then begin putting it together. Special effects will be added, a soundtrack will be added, any missing dialogue will be re-recorded and added resulting in a 'rough cut'. This will be shown to the director and a test audience who will offer feedback. Often this causes scenes to be filmed and added or removed.



JJ Abrams (Director) on set of Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens



Writer - Person who writes the screenplay of the characters' dialogue and actions taking place on screen.

Producer - Takes care of the business side of a film, which entails pitching the project, obtaining funds and rights as well as managing the budget.

Casting Director - Responsible for selecting the right actor for each role during Pre-Production.

Director - In charge of the creative side of filming, controlling its artistic and dramatic aspects and guiding the technical crew and actors to make the film.

Film Finance -An aspect of production, taking place in its development stage, to determine the film's potential cost and value.

Camera Operator -In charge of preparing the camera equipment and working with the Director to capture the visual style of the film.

Editor - Works with the Director during Post-Production to craft the different sections of the film together.

Production Designer - Works on the visual aspects to the film, like the set and costumes, to ensure they fit the Director's vision.

Marketing -Trying to promote the film, usually involves press tours, interviews, trailers, posters, social media and merchandise.

Exhibition - The public screening of the film, usually at cinemas or theatres but sometimes at festivals like Sundance.