His Dark Materials: Audience And Industries Blog Tasks

Audience:

1. Young Adults (13-25): The series appeals to young adults who enjoy fantasy and coming-of-age stories. The central characters, Lyra and Will, are young themselves, making their journeys particularly relatable to this age group.

 The series has a wide appeal across genders due to its strong, multifaceted characters. Both male and female viewers can find characters they identify with or admire, such as the courageous Lyra, the determined Will, and the formidable Mrs Coulter.

 Explorers:

• Explorers are driven by a need for discovery and adventure. "His Dark Materials" offers an expansive, multi-dimensional world filled with mysteries and new realms to explore, appealing to this group's curiosity and desire for new experiences.

Mainstreamers:

• Main streamers seek security and tend to favour established brands and well-known entities. "His Dark Materials" benefits from the popularity of the original book series and its association with the BBC and HBO, reputable broadcasters. The familiar elements of classic fantasy stories, combined with a modern twist, make it a comfortable yet exciting choice for mainstream audience.

2.

Personal Identity:

• Empowerment and Growth:

Lyra's Journey: Viewers, especially younger audiences, can identify with Lyra as she navigates the challenges of a new world and grows into her role as a hero. Her determination, curiosity, and resilience in the face of adversity resonate with individuals who see themselves in her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Personal Relationships:

• Companionship and Support:
• Lyra and Will's Bond: The developing friendship between Lyra and Will offers viewers a sense of companionship. Their mutual support and growing trust highlight the importance of finding allies and friends in unfamiliar and challenging situations. This relationship can resonate with viewers who value and seek strong, supportive connections in their own lives.

Diversion (Escapism):

• Visual Effects and Set Design: The detailed portrayal of Cittàgazze with its eerie beauty and the depiction of otherworldly elements like the Spectres (phantom-like creatures) create a visually captivating experience. These elements draw viewers away from their reality into a richly crafted fantasy world.

3.

Visceral Pleasures:

Cittàgazze Atmosphere: The eerie beauty and desolation of the city of Cittàgazze provide a visceral pleasure through the visual and auditory experience. The haunting architecture, combined with suspenseful music and sound effects, creates a sense of unease and tension that physically grips the audience.

Voyeuristic Pleasures:

• Private Moments Between Lyra and Pan: The intimate interactions between Lyra and her daemon, Pantalaimon, provide voyeuristic pleasure. These moments, where Lyra confides in Pan or seeks comfort from him, allow the audience to witness her vulnerability and inner thoughts, creating a sense of enclosure.

Vicarious Pleasures:

Lyra and Will's Exploration: Viewers experience vicarious pleasure through Lyra and Will’s journey into the unknown city of Cittàgazze. The excitement and curiosity they feel as they explore the abandoned streets and buildings resonate with the audience, who can imagine themselves in the characters' place, discovering a new world.

4.

Fan Reactions:

Faithfulness to the Source Material: Many fans of Philip Pullman's book series praised the show's fidelity to the original story, particularly its attention to detail and adherence to key plot points.

Character Development: Viewers enjoyed the deeper exploration of characters, especially the evolving relationship between Lyra and Will, which was seen as well-portrayed and emotionally engaging.

Critic Reviews:

Improved Storytelling: Critics noted that Season 2 had tighter storytelling and pacing compared to the first season, making the narrative more compelling and easier to follow.

Strong Performances: The performances of the main cast, particularly Dafne Keen (Lyra) and Amir Wilson (Will), were highlighted as strong points. Ruth Wilson (Mrs. Coulter) also received praise for her nuanced portrayal of the character.

5.

Preferred Readings:

Strong Characters and Performances:

• Why Some Fans Loved It: The depth and development of characters like Lyra and Will were well-received. The performances by Dafne Keen, Amir Wilson, and Ruth Wilson were particularly praised for bringing these characters to life convincingly.

Faithfulness to the Source Material:

Impact: This fidelity helped in retaining the core fan base and gave a sense of authenticity and respect for the source material.

Oppositional Readings:

Changes from the Books:

• Why Some People Criticised It: Some fans and critics were disappointed by deviations from the source material, feeling that certain changes were unnecessary or detracted from the original story.

• Impact: These changes may have alienated purist fans who prefer strict adherence to the books.

Industries:

1. The "His Dark Materials" series was produced by several companies in collaboration. The primary production companies involved are:

1. BBC Studios - The British Broadcasting Corporation's commercial production arm.
2. Bad Wolf - A production company based in Cardiff, Wales, founded by former BBC executives Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner.
3. New Line Cinema - An American film production studio that is a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Entertainment.
4. HBO - An American premium cable and satellite television network, which co-produced and distributed the series in the United States.

2.

Comparison to Season 1

For Season 1 of "His Dark Materials," the premiere episode, "Lyra's Jordan," had:

• Overnight Viewing Figures: Approximately 7.2 million viewers.
• Consolidated Viewing Figures: Approximately 9.7 million viewers.

Analysis

• Drop in Viewership: There is a noticeable drop in viewership from Season 1 to Season 2. The premiere episode of Season 1 had significantly higher viewing figures both overnight and consolidated compared to "A City of Magpies."
• Factors to Consider: Various factors could contribute to this decline, including changes in audience interest, competition from other shows, or shifts in viewing habits, such as increased use of streaming services and on-demand viewing.

Contextual Considerations

1. COVID-19 Impact: The production and release of Season 2 were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which might have influenced viewing patterns and marketing strategies.
2. Streaming and Catch-Up Services: The increase in the use of streaming platforms might mean more viewers watched the episode after the initial broadcast, contributing to the consolidated figures rather than overnight numbers.
3. Initial Hype: Season 1 likely benefited from initial excitement and curiosity about the adaptation of a beloved book series, which might have tapered off by Season 2.

3.

HBO's Role in Production and Distribution

1. Co-Producer and Co-Funder:

• Financial Contribution: HBO co-produced "His Dark Materials" alongside BBC Studios, Bad Wolf, and New Line Cinema. Their financial investment was instrumental in ensuring high production values, enabling the series to have top-tier special effects, sets, and a talented cast.
• Collaborative Effort: As a co-producer, HBO was involved in various stages of the production process, contributing to creative decisions and ensuring the series met high standards consistent with their brand.

Importance of HBO's Involvement

1. Expanded Audience Reach:

• Global Viewership: HBO's involvement ensured that "His Dark Materials" reached a broad international audience. Given HBO's reputation for high-quality programming, their backing helped attract viewers who trust the network's content.
• Market Penetration: The series benefited from HBO's strong market presence in the United States, where it might have otherwise struggled to gain traction if distributed through less prominent channels.

4."His Dark Materials" features several well-known stars:

1. James McAvoy as Lord Asriel.
2. Ruth Wilson as Mrs. Coulter.
3. Lin-Manuel Miranda as Lee Scoresby.
4. Dafne Keen as Lyra Belacqua.
5. Andrew Scott as John Parry.

Reasons for Selection

1. James McAvoy: Known for his versatility and strong screen presence, McAvoy adds gravitas to the role of Lord Asriel, a complex character with moral ambiguity.

2. Ruth Wilson: With her experience in playing multifaceted characters, Wilson effectively brings out the manipulative and enigmatic nature of Mrs. Coulter.

3. Lin-Manuel Miranda: His charisma and ability to portray endearing characters make him a perfect fit for the adventurous and roguish Lee Scoresby.

4. Dafne Keen: Her breakthrough role in "Logan" showcased her talent and suitability for portraying the brave and resourceful Lyra.

5. Andrew Scott: Known for his intense performances, Scott adds depth to John Parry, a character with a mysterious past.

5."Bad Wolf" typically refers to a phrase that has appeared in the British science fiction television series "Doctor Who." In the show, it's a recurring motif, initially appearing in the first series of the revived show in 2005. It's associated with a mysterious message left across time and space, eventually revealing its significance in the overarching plot.

However, outside of the fictional universe of "Doctor Who," Bad Wolf Productions is a real-life television production company founded by Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner, both former BBC executives. They've produced a variety of television shows, including "A Discovery of Witches" and "His Dark Materials." So, while Bad Wolf in "Doctor Who" might have cosmic significance, in the real world, it's about producing quality television content.

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

1. Camerawork:

• Doctor Who (1963): In its early years, "Doctor Who" was shot in black and white and primarily utilised static camera setups and basic panning and tilting for movement. Due to the limitations of technology at the time, the camerawork was often straightforward and less dynamic.
• His Dark Materials (2020): With the advancement of camera technology, "His Dark Materials" benefits from more sophisticated camerawork, including fluid tracking shots, intricate camera movements, and cinematic framing. The use of CGI and visual effects allows for more ambitious and visually stunning sequences.

Editing:

• Doctor Who (1963): Editing in classic "Doctor Who" was relatively straightforward, with limited special effects and simpler transitions between scenes. Episodes were often shot and edited quickly due to budget constraints and the constraints of live television production.
• His Dark Materials (2020): The editing in "His Dark Materials" is more complex and polished, with seamless transitions between scenes and sophisticated visual effects. The pacing is often slower, allowing for more atmospheric storytelling and character development.

Sound:

• Doctor Who (1963): Sound design in classic "Doctor Who" relied heavily on practical effects and simple soundscapes created in the studio. Music was often composed using electronic instruments due to budget constraints.
• His Dark Materials (2020): The sound design in "His Dark Materials" is more immersive and layered, with a rich orchestral score and intricate sound effects. Dolby Atmos technology may be utilised to create a more immersive audio experience for viewers.

Mise-en-scene:

• Doctor Who (1963): The mise-en-scene in classic "Doctor Who" was often minimalistic, with simple sets, costumes, and props. Due to budget limitations, many alien worlds and futuristic settings were suggested rather than fully realised.
• His Dark Materials (2020): The mise-en-scene in "His Dark Materials" is elaborate and detailed, with lush set designs, intricate costumes, and elaborate special effects makeup. The production design creates a fully realised fantasy world that immerses viewers in the story.

2."Doctor Who" and "His Dark Materials" share some similarities in terms of genre and narrative elements, but they also have significant differences:

Similarities:

1. Science Fiction/Fantasy Blend: Both series incorporate elements of science fiction and fantasy. "Doctor Who" explores a wide range of futuristic concepts, time travel, and alien civilizations, while "His Dark Materials" is set in a parallel universe with fantastical elements such as daemons and Dust.

2. Epic Storytelling: Both series feature epic, overarching storylines that span multiple episodes or seasons. They explore complex themes such as morality, power, and the nature of existence.

3. Adventure and Exploration: Both "Doctor Who" and "His Dark Materials" involve journeys and adventures across diverse landscapes and settings. Characters embark on quests, encounter new cultures, and confront challenges along the way.

Differences:

Tone: While both series blend elements of science fiction and fantasy, they have different tones. "Doctor Who" often combines adventure with humour and whimsy, while "His Dark Materials" tends to be more dramatic and philosophical, with darker themes and tones.

Narrative Structure: "Doctor Who" typically follows a more episodic format, with standalone adventures in each episode or story arc. "His Dark Materials," on the other hand, has a more serialised narrative, with a continuous story line that unfolds over multiple episodes or seasons.

Target Audience: "Doctor Who" has traditionally been aimed at a family audience, with a mix of humour, action, and drama that appeals to viewers of all ages. "His Dark Materials," while still suitable for older children and teenagers, deals with more mature themes and complex storytelling that may appeal more to adult audiences.