Performing Arts : Television

An investigation of the fictional representations of the city in contemporary British and American television drama, assessing their political, sociological and cultural implications. The book draws on the following five key case studies for specific and detailed analysis: • Queer as Folk • Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City • The Cops • Homicide - Life on the Street • Holding On Each is discussed in terms of structure, content, characterisation and narrative, and placed within its specific ideological context. The case studies represent an interesting range of British and American cities and city sub-cultures. The author extends his analysis to investigate the intrinsic issues related to the implications of popular and high drama and culture. Featuring excerpts of exclusive interviews with Tony Garnett and members of the production team of The Cops and Tony Marchant and David Snodin of Holding On. As one of the first substantial investigations of the city in television drama, this book reflects a growing general interest in the politics of representation. It is also designed for accommodation into the very popular academic courses on drama and in film and media studies: as a textbook and for supplementary reading. more...

Price: $29.95

Why are some controversial issues covered in TV soaps and dramas and not others? How are decisions really made ‘behind the scenes’? How do programme makers push boundaries without losing viewers? What do audiences take away from their viewing experience? Does TV fiction have a greater impact on public understandings than TV news? This exciting new book draws on unique empirical data to examine the relationship between popular television fiction and wider society. The book gives lively and engaging insights into how and why socially sensitive story lines were taken up by different TV programmes from the late 1980s to the 2000s. Drawing on a series of case studies of medicine, health, illness and social problems including breast cancer, mental distress, sexual abuse and violence it comprehensively traces the path of storylines from initial conception through to audience reception and uses contemporary examples to link practice to theory. For the first time, this book addresses production and reception processes across a range of programmes and clearly demonstrates the ways in which television fiction plays a vital and powerful role in reflecting and shaping socio-cultural attitudes. more...

Price: $99.50

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Price: $14.99

Erik Barnouw, leading historian of broadcasting in the United States, in 'The Sponsor' confronts the touchy, far-reaching issue of how the television industry has gradually meshed itself into the needs and wishes of sponsors--influencing programming, news and documentaries, and shaping American culture, mores and politics. more...

Price: $16.95

You'll learn just a little about the heroes (Captain Kirk believes that man wasn't meant to live in paradise), the villains (Klingons have a thirst for conquest), and the important aliens (Vulcans live their lives by logic). In the handy recaps for all things Star Trek, you'll discover that the television shows and movies run the gamut from action-adventure to comedy. Just want to sample? The ten essential episodes are offered for your consideration. Star Trek 101 is a quick primer of the television shows and movies that carry the Star Trek name. more...

Price: $11.99