Rise of Foreign-language Television

Independent: British viewers can't get enough of foreign-language dramas

1) What does the article suggest regarding the traditional audience for foreign-language subtitled media?

The article suggests that people who are interested in diverse locations and culture are the traditional demographic for foreign-language subtitled media.

2) What does Walter Iuzzolino suggest is the key appeal of his 'Walter Presents' shows?

He suggests the key appeal shows that they cater to a diverse variety of individuals who are endured through the definition of how diverse it is and how much of a special idea he's constructed.

3) The article makes an interesting claim for the popularity of subtitles in the multi-screen age. What does it suggest?

Subtitles can seem insignificant, but when we are constantly diverted from our TV watching by our phones, they are a welcome enforcer for us to concentrate.

4) What are the other audiences pleasures of foreign TV drama suggested by the article?

They propose that when viewing foreign language television, viewers can coincide with the audience's distraction gratifications. This is because they are being introduced to and accepted by a modern truth.

5) What examples are provided of how TV companies are increasingly using audiences to inform the production process?

Moffat also used intertextual references in his series, most notably in Sherlock, where he used a hint that only Chinese viewers could understand. Online conversations with accounts in charge of the show's production have given them insight into what the viewer really needs.


Film School Rejects: The foreign TV dramas you're missing out on

1) What does the article tell us about Deutschland 83's release schedule?

The programme was the first German-language television series to air on a major American network.

2) What were the German viewing figures for the first and last episode? What were Channel's 4's viewing figures for Deutschland 83?

Germany has 3.19 million subscribers, while the United Kingdom has 2.5 million.

3) Who are the two production and distribution companies behind Deutschland 83 and what did they announce in October?

The show's second season, Deutschland 86, has been confirmed by Sundance T.V. and Freemantle/Media.

4) What does the article suggest was the driving force behind the series being renewed for a new season (and possibly two new seasons)?

The audience's demand, it was critical to give it a decent ending in order to continue the storyline.

5) How does Walter Iuzzolino use social media to engage audiences in new international TV dramas? How does he suggest this has changed the reception of foreign productions in the UK?

Walter uses social media to communicate with the viewer by asking questions and making comments depending on the genre and plot of the TV show.


IndieWire: The rise of international television

1) What does the article suggest regarding the difference between TV and film?

Although Hollywood studios are steadily in the business of producing films that are as common in other countries as they are in the United States, the small screen also often acts as a mirror of its audience.

2) What cultural differences are highlighted in the article - for example in turning 'Prisoners of War' into 'Homeland' when remade in the US?

Cultural distinctions are emphasised because television is traditionally regarded as culturally contextual, as Producer Gideon Raff noted that the original series centred on the perspectives and ideas of POWs.

3) Why do you think Deutschland 83 was able to rise above these cultural differences to be successful in the US and UK? Did this inadvertently make the drama fail in Germany?

Because of the content and the fact that it is based on true events, I believe Deutschland was able to transcend cultural differences.

4) What does the article suggest about subtitling?

“People's impression of subtitled films, let alone subtitled TV shows, is that they're a lot of effort — and a little mysterious." Subtitling allows viewers to get more involved with what they are viewing.

5) What does Sopranos actor Steven Van Zandt suggest is the appeal in foreign television drama?

According to Steven Van Zandt, the popularity of international television shows stems from the fact that they encourage viewers to escape into other countries.