Black Mirror and Industry - Key Concepts for A-Level Media Studies

A set of QUESTION_AND_ANSWER flashcards covering key people, production, funding, episode specifics, marketing, regulation, and crossover content from Black Mirror and related industry notes.

Who is the creator and writer of Black Mirror?

Charlie Brooker, known for dark, postmodern takes on technology and the future.

What is the format of Black Mirror as an anthology series?

Each episode features a different set of characters and a different narrative; sets, cast, and costumes are not reused, leading to a higher per‑episode budget.

Which broadcasters and production entities were involved at the show's launch?

Channel 4 originally aired it; Endemol produced it with Charlie Brooker’s production company Zepatron.

Why did Channel 4 struggle to fund Black Mirror, leading to Netflix involvement?

Channel 4 is a not-for-profit broadcaster with limited budgets; Netflix offered much higher per‑episode budgets.

What impact did Netflix acquirement have on Black Mirror's production?

It secured higher budgets, enabled broader production, released six episodes of Series 3 at once, and funded Series 4, 5, and Bandersnatch.

What is Bandersnatch in Black Mirror?

A standalone interactive film released by Netflix.

What are notable production and stylistic features of San Junipero (Series 3, Episode 4)?

First episode written for Netflix; set in California but filmed in London and South Africa; features American actors, 1980s music rights and period costumes; high budget; more light, Americanised tone.

How did Brooker approach Americanisation across later episodes?

He attempted not to Americanise all episodes; not all settings or casts are American; mixed tones.

How was Black Mirror marketed and promoted beyond the show itself?

Marketing included teasers and trailers on YouTube and Netflix social media; posters; Netflix 'suggested content'; ancillary content like a board game (Nosedive), an online web game, Spotify soundtracks (including a 42-track San Junipero playlist), Inside Black Mirror book, Thorpe Park Maze, and an Orange Is the New Black – Black Mirror crossover clip.

Why was content on Netflix less restricted by Ofcom regulation?

Netflix is streamed into the UK from outside England and is not governed by Ofcom like traditional broadcasters, allowing more controversial content.

Give an example of the controversial content that helped establish Black Mirror's reputation.

An episode featuring the prime minister having sex with a pig on national television.

Why did the anthology format drive higher budgets per episode?

Each episode requires a new set, new cast, and new costumes, so budgets per episode rise accordingly.

What is the significance of San Junipero being more 'Americanised' in tone?

It reflected Netflix's American funding and audience expectations, while still balancing with Brooker's aim not to fully Americanise all content.

What kind of cross-promotional content appeared with another Netflix show?

An Orange Is the New Black – Black Mirror crossover clip.