Media industries

Production

PB is a co-production between Caryn Mandabach productions and Tiger Aspect

Creator of the show

Steven Knight

• Grew up in the Small Heath area

• He also wrote several successful film/ TV titles that are all crime dramas which explore social issues

Netflix’s commitment

“To tell local stories on a global platform”

• Peaky Blinders is a good example of this

How a UK audience would respond

They would have a stronger connection

• Through the Historical context

  • The setting with it’s British working class focus will resonate with viewers familiar with history/ geography in the UK

• Through cultural references:

  • Potrayal of british gang culture will be familiar to the audience

How a Non - UK audience would respond?

What may appeal:

• Power/ revenge:

  • The quest for power is a common narrative that is presented globally

• Masculinity/ identity:

  • Tommy’s character is masculine but emotionally fragile which fits traditional themes of masculinity which is explored globally.

What may need extra explanation:

• The British references: Accents, references to politics and the industrial revolution

• Cultural specifics: References to the IRA, tension after WW1

The Midlands and the BBC

• Has been a key investment for the BBC, studios have been switched from London to Manchester

International co-productions

As television becomes a more global industry, these are more common

BBC’s reputation

• A quality media brand

• Most UK-based content would be distributed by BBC America, but PB is the exception

Netflix

• The number one streaming service, with 200 million paid subscribers

Cultural industries - Hesmondhalgh

• The idea that cultural industries are different to other industries, a media product can be consumed over and over again which u cant with other industries

• Unlike TV channels, where the show may cancelled mid season if there isn’t enough audience, Netflix and the BBC has more opportunity to take risks