BLACKPOOL (VAN)

What techniques does the opening sequence use to appeal to a weekday mainstream audience?

The opening of the television programme Blackpool, opens with a series of shots of a setting which is similar to Las Vegas. This is not Las Vegas, but is Blackpool, however, it is showing the similarities the both places have of glitz and glamour. The producers include this in the opening sequence to attract the attention of all mainstream audiences because they know that Las Vegas will catch anyone's attention with the bright lights and colour.Also the music in the opening scene is a song familiar with everyone 'Elvis Presley - Viva Las Vegas'. it will get the audience moving to the song and eventually draw them into watch the show and hopefully continue watching all the episode.It uses these techniques in the opening sequence because mainstream audience are a wide range of different backgrounds so they need to find something in common in its opening sequence that  grab the audience attention.

How does the extract follow the Codes and Conventions of an opening sequence?

in the beginning of the open sequence, BBC is shown just before the title. Audiences will be familiar with what the sign shows that it is a BBC production showing on either BBC1 or BBC2. A theme song is used which follows codes and conventions of an opening sequence. The theme song entertains audiences as the theme song is very catchy and sung by a famous singer called Elvis Presley which many audiences can relate to as they would have listened to his music. If the audience member does not relate to Elvis they have most likely heard the song 'Viva Las Vega'.  A short introduction for all characters is used so that the audiences are familiar with the actors/actresses.The setting of the program being Blackpool is also portrayed as being as a glamorous place which may intrigue audiences to go visit the famous city. The title of the program comes up on the screen in bright colours so that the audiences can see this and appeals to them which encourage audiences to watch this program.

What does the text tell us about the media institutions involved?

People living in the UK would know that Blackpool is not the best place to visit in England. However, the BBC portrays Blackpool as being a positive place. They use the city of Las Vegas as an example and change Blackpool into a glamorous place to be. As this program is shown on during the week-day it shows the BBC is trying to appeal to a variety of audiences. audiences can very from housewives, unemployed people and possibly pensioners.