Dr Who - Gender

Throughout this clip, gender is represented in a number of different ways through camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene.
Through use of mise-en-scene the audience is presented with master. Stereotypically the master is wearing a suit which suggests power and authority, however ironically the suit is rather scruffy and laid back, which presents the character as less powerful and big-headed, however in the circumstances still dominant.
Continuing through mise-en-scene, there is a female stood next to the master throughout the clip. The female is in a red dress, with connotations of danger. However, the female is seen merely as an object; well groomed, standing with no input. It is also recognisable that the female is holding on to the rail throughout the whole clip, suggesting that she is isolated and incapable of supporting herself.
Stereotypically the other women seen in this clip are dressed as maids, suggesting little power and significance. Similarly, there is a man present in the clip with a dirty/muddy face, this further being stereotypical as men are associated with work and dirt.
It is also recognisable that the male gender is powerful throughout between the master and the doctor, this may be argued stereotypically fitting the codes and conventions of 'normal television' as males are supposedly recognised as dominant.
Focusing on the use of camera, characters are presented in different ways. A low angle mid-shot of the master suggests he is superior whilst a low angle shot of Martha suggests she is submissive, stereotypical of that in TV drama.
Martha Jones is also framed with two security guards behind her, this signifying imprisonment and dominance of the male gender along with stereotypical roles associated with gender as both security guards are male, overpowering the female.
Use of gradual zooms in the sequence of shots throughout the clip signify the movement of the female as slow/hesitant, suggesting that she is unsure and incapable of making important decisions.
Further along the clip a worms-eye view of Martha is presented to the audience of her rising up after the doctor is brought back to life. This highlights the idea of power changing between good and evil and further power exchange between the master and female. Martha is now dominant and the master submissive, contradicting stereotypical associations with male and female gender and TV drama.
Editing is a key concept throughout the clip. During the clip there is use of cut transitions and flash effects to signify past events. During these flashbacks, there is use of quick cutting between different elements of Martha's journey to signify time movement and further represents her determination to complete her task.
Further along the clip through use of continuity editing, the audience is presented with quick shot transitions of the master to highlight his aggression, this being stereotypical of males as violence and aggression are associated with males and not with women.
The duration of the Masters shot get shorter as the sequence progresses, signifying the idea that his 'time' is running out as he is becoming significantly less powerful.
Blue and pink lighting is also used throughout the clip, suggesting stereotypical connotations with both genders.
Sound is also a key aspect of TV drama. There is use of diegetic sounds such as he wind howling on Martha's journey, this suggests a life-like aspect to the clip allowing the audience to further engage.
There is also use of non-diegetic sound as the track played during the doctors transformation is very grand, suggesting he is a significant character and is powerful.
Martha's voice develops as the clip progresses, she becomes more powerful and confident and this is evident through her voice becoming more pronounced.
Heroic music is also played once Martha defeats the master, this is typical of TV drama and puts emphasis on the moment allowing it to become more dramatic.
It is evident through use of these 4 key concepts that TV drama is still massively patriarchal and in favour of men. Stereotypical representations of both genders are presented in this clip through numerous different ways as discussed, following the typical conventions of TV drama.

Class and Status

Upper Class

The upper class is the social class composed of those who are wealthy, well-born or both. They usually have the greatest political power. The upper class is generally contained within the wealthiest 1-3% of the population. Members of the upper class are often born into it, and are distinguished by immense wealth which is passed from generation to generation in the form of estates. Sometimes members of the upper class are called "the one percent".


Middle Class

The middle class are the most contested of the three categories, the broad group of people in contemporary society who fall socio-economically between the lower and upper class. One example of contestation of this term is that in the US "middle class" is applied very broadly and includes people who would elsewhere be considered lower class.


Lower Class

Lower Class are those employed in low-paying wage jobs with very little economic security. The lower class is sometimes separated into those who are employed but lacking financial security and underclass- those who are long term unemployed. 

How Editing Contributes to Representation

Action Match


Cutting on action or matching on action refers to film editing and video editing techniques where the editor cuts from one shot to another view that matches the first shot's action.








Eyeline Match


An eyeline match is a film editing technique associated with the continuity editing system. It is based on the premise that the audience will want to see what the character on-screen is seeing. The eyeline match begins with a character looking at something off-screen, followed by a cut to the object or person at which he is looking. For example, a shot showing a man looking off-screen to the left is followed by a shot of the television that he is watching.








Final Shot


In any scene, which character or characters are shown in the final shot of the sequence? This is often the character with which the audience is expected to identify. 








Intercutting: Tension


When intercutting is used to draw two storylines together, this can be structured to create tension, and therefore heighten the audience’s identification with a particular character. 








Intercutting: Juxtaposition


Alternate (scenes or shots) with contrasting scenes or shots to make one composite scene in a film.





Jump Cuts


A jump cut is a cut in film editing in which two sequential shots of the same subject are taken from camera positions that vary only slightly. This type of edit gives the effect of jumping forwards in time.







Motivation

Motivated editing is a way of helping to suspend the audiences disbelief when watching a production. Motivated editing is where shots are carefully chosen to push a story along and make the audience believe what they are seeing. 

For instance if there is a shot of someone walking into a room and looking around, it is best to then cut to a shot of that actors point of view. 
This way the audience get to see exactly what that actor sees and it engrosses them in the story even more. 

Synergy and Technological Convergence

Synergy
The concept that the value and performance of two companies combined will be greater than the sum of the separate individual parts.
The expected synergy achieved through the merger can be attributed to various factors, such as increased revenues, combined talent and technology, or cost reduction.

Technological Convergence
Technological Convergence is the process of technology evolving. For example people who used to listen to music on the radio may now chose to listen to music on their phones as it is much more advanced and convenient. Companies use this to produce and deliver their films more effectively.