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Introduction

Define the media term, 'genre' analyse 3 television programs for their codes and conventions. "If a group of media texts have a similar form/structure or pattern of elements, then this might be due to a link in genre. Films of the same genre have distinctive characteristics or conventions, but individual elements that make them distinct." 3 quiz shows that use similar codes and conventions that define their genre are, "Bruce's price is right", "Michael Barrymore's strike it rich" and Les Dennis's family fortunes. When considering what makes a quiz show I would assume that there are a few key elements that it must include. For example, there is generally a studio, a host and a sequence of games played by "regular" contestants to win a big prize. ...read more.

Middle

In Bruce's price is right there are a few icons, which have become familiarities over the years. These include his catch phrase, the buzzers, Bruce himself and a spinning wheel, which ends the game. The background settings for the game are a loud studio, with an audience and bright lights. Michael Barrymore's strike it rich is similar in many ways, because of its time slot the protagonist is an older man. I think the reason they chose a male presenter is because of the older audience again, they are probably more comfortable with a man than a woman. Similarly the stock characters are the audience and the contestants, the host introduces them and aloud to talk about themselves while the host makes comments which are supposed to make people laugh. ...read more.

Conclusion

The stock characters were the audience and two families who acted as the contestants. To win things they were asked a question like "what would you take to the beach?" and had to pick the answer they thought 100 people were most likely to say. Then at the end when one family wins, they send one person to play in the final quiz. The icons for this program were similarly the host and buzzers, however the families have become icons and so has the phrase "our survey says". |The background for this program is less vibrant, with a board in the middle and more subdued background to reflect the fact it is a more serious show. The forms and conventions of quiz shows are generally similar, this is because the viewers are expecting it, and they don't need to do much to get people to watch. ...read more.

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