Doctor Who Audience and Industry

 Audience and Industry

Audience

1) Who is the target audience for Doctor Who? Do you think it has changed since 1963?

Over time, the intended viewership of "Doctor Who" has changed, but it has consistently been a family-friendly programme with a wide appeal. It was meant to be a children's programme when it debuted in 1963, with educational components incorporated into its science fiction adventures. But as the programme went on, its increasingly intricate plots, unique ideas, and clever banter started drawing in a larger audience, including adults and teenagers.

"Doctor Who" has maintained its appeal to a broad audience over the course of its many seasons, drawing fans from a variety of age groups. The show has taken on more mature themes and narratives while maintaining its family-friendly aspects, making it appealing to an older audience as well.

A conscious attempt has been made in recent years to appeal to a wider audience while preserving the essence of what makes "Doctor Who" special, beginning with the show's revival in 2005 and continuing through the new seasons. Due to this, the programme now has to strike a balance between continuing to appeal to younger audiences and giving more depth and complexity to its more seasoned audience.

2) What audience pleasures are offered by Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child? Apply Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory to the episode. Make sure you provide specific examples from the episode to support your ideas.

Personal Identity:

The mysterious Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, known as the Doctor, is first introduced in the show. He possesses the ability to regenerate into multiple forms. The Doctor's character revolves around the exploration of identity, as they are continuously changing and reinventing themselves. Viewers who are interested in self-discovery, reinvention, and the investigation of what it means to be human will find this aspect of the show appealing. 

Personal Relationships:

In "An Unearthly Child," the plot revolves around the relationship between the Doctor, his granddaughter Susan, and their human companions, Ian and Barbara. Friendship, loyalty, and trust can all be explored through the interactions between these characters as they travel through time and space. The connections between the characters captivate viewers, and they become engrossed in their shared journey. 

Diversion (Escapism):

As a science fiction programme, "Doctor Who" presents a vividly imagined future with futuristic technology, alien planets, and exciting adventures. "An Unearthly Child" evokes awe and escape by taking viewers from modern-day London to a far-off past and finally to a mysterious alien world. The show's fantastical aspects provide audiences a momentary break from reality and an opportunity to lose themselves in an infinitely imaginative world. 

Surveillance (Information / Facts):

In "An Unearthly Child," the idea of surveillance is not as prevalent as it is in later "Doctor Who" episodes. As the characters learn the mysteries of the alien planet they find themselves on and the secrets of the Doctor's TARDIS, the show does, however, incorporate elements of investigation and discovery. Alongside the characters, viewers participate in the process of gathering information and putting together clues, which heightens the tension and intrigue of the narrative.

3) What additional Uses and Gratifications would this episode provide to a modern 2020s audience?

Nostalgia and Freedom: 

Watching the first episode of the current "Doctor Who" series can bring back fond memories and a sense of appreciation for the lengthy history of the programme for fans of the original series. It provides an opportunity to delve into the history of the show's enduring appeal and to witness the genesis of cherished characters and ideas.

Cultural and Historical Context:

When watching "An Unearthly Child" in the context of the 2020s, viewers can recognise the significance of the film within the history of science fiction and television. It provides insights into the social mores, technological developments, and storytelling customs of the early 1960s as well as the cultural and historical background of the period.

4) Thinking of the 3 Vs audience pleasures (Visceral, Vicarious and Voyeuristic pleasures), which of these can be applied to An Unearthly Child?

VISCERAL PLEASURE: The visceral thrill of witnessing something, such as monster films, athletic events, or large explosions.

VICARIOUS PLEASURE: Living through the characters' experiences, such as travelling through time or space.

VOYEURISTIC PLEASURE: Seeing something you wouldn't typically be able to (like inside the TARDIS, for example).

5) What kind of online fan culture does Doctor Who have? Give examples.

A thriving and diverse online fan community for "Doctor Who" has grown over the years, with countless fan-focused websites, forums, social media groups, podcasts, fan fiction, fan art, and conventions. The following are a few instances of the diverse facets of "Doctor Who" fan culture:

Social media: Fans of "Doctor Who" can be found interacting with the cast and crew, having conversations, and sharing memes and fan art on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can join discussions and share show-related content by using hashtags like #DoctorWho and #Whovian.

Podcasts: A plethora of "Doctor Who"-related podcasts are available, providing fan theories, interviews, reviews, and analysis. "Doctor Who: The Official Podcast," "Radio Free Skaro," and "Verity!" are a few examples. These podcasts cover various facets of the programme and give viewers a way to go deeper into their favourite scenes and characters.

Industries

1) What was the television industry like in 1963? How many channels were there?

The television business was very different in 1963 from what it is now. In that era, the television industry encompassed the following important aspects:

Restricted Channels:

Television broadcasting was still in its infancy in many nations, including the US and the UK, and there were only a few channels accessible. For instance, there were only two major channels in the UK: ITV (Independent Television), which debuted in 1955, and BBC Television. There were two channels on BBC Television: BBC One and BBC Two. However, BBC Two didn't begin programming until April 1964, following the debut of Doctor Who.

 Black and White Television: The majority of television sets were black and white in the early 1960s, when colour television was still in its infancy. Although colour television didn't become widely available until the 1970s, colour broadcasting started to become more common later in the decade.

Live Broadcasting: Because pre-recorded programming technology was still in its infancy, a lot of television shows were either broadcast live or recorded live-to-tape. This increased likelihood of errors or technical difficulties gave live broadcasts a more natural feel.

2) How does An Unearthly Child reflect the level of technology in the TV industry in 1963?

In several aspects, "An Unearthly Child" captures the state of technology in the TV business in 1963:

Quality of Production:

The level of production quality in "An Unearthly Child" reflects the state of technology at the time. The episode was shot in black and white, as was customary in the early 1960s for television. In comparison to contemporary standards, the sets, costumes, and special effects are rather basic, which reflects the limitations of the technology available for television production at the time.

Studio-Based Motion Pictures:

"An Unearthly Child" was primarily shot in studio sets as opposed to on location, as was typical for television shows during that time. Although studio-based filming gave producers more control over lighting, sound, and other technical aspects of the production, it also meant that sets frequently looked more artificial than actual places.

Limited Added Effects:

In comparison to today's standards, "An Unearthly Child" has very few special effects. For instance, basic visual effects and camera techniques, like the use of a police box prop and a camera fade effect, are used to depict the TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space). Although these effects were novel at the time, they seem basic by today's standards.

3) Why is Doctor Who such an important franchise for the BBC? 

The BBC values the "Doctor Who" franchise for a number of reasons.

Cultural Importance:

One of the most recognisable and enduring television shows on the BBC, "Doctor Who" has a rich history spanning more than 50 years. It has acquired a devoted following in the UK and abroad and has grown to be a significant part of British popular culture. Because of its unique fusion of humour, adventure, and science fiction, the show has become a beloved and recognisable brand that is closely associated with British television.

Global Achievement:

"Doctor Who" has garnered a large following and a robust international presence thanks to its considerable international success. Its unique British charm, creative storytelling, and enduring cast of characters have made the show appealing to viewers from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Its global success helps the BBC become known as a top provider of high-caliber television programming in addition to bringing in money through merchandise sales, licencing agreements, and distribution rights.

4) What other programmes/spin-offs are part of the wider Doctor Who franchise?

Wood for a torch:

"Torch wood" is a spin-off series created by Russell T Davies that centres on the adventures of the Torch wood Institute, a clandestine organisation entrusted with protecting Earth from alien threats. The show centres on Captain Jack Harkness, a former Doctor companion, and his group as they look into extraterrestrial phenomena and defend humankind. "Torch Wood" garnered praise from critics for its sophisticated themes and nuanced characters during its run from 2006 to 2011.

The Adventures of Sarah Jane:

Children's television series "The Sarah Jane Adventures," created by Russell T. Davies, chronicles the adventures of Sarah Jane Smith, a former Doctor companion, and her group of young friends as they look into alien encounters and protect the planet from various threats. From 2007 to 2011, the show ran on television and received positive reviews for its family-friendly narrative and inspirational themes.

Comics and Novels: "Doctor Who" has also made a big literary and comic book impact, with a number of comic series, graphic novels, and novels based on the show. These magazines cover a variety of topics related to the "Doctor Who" universe and include both original stories and TV series adaptations.

5) Why does the Doctor Who franchise have so much merchandise available? Give examples. 

There is an abundance of Doctor Who merchandise available for a number of reasons.

Popularity and Longevity: One of the most enduring and adored science fiction television shows ever, Doctor Who has been broadcasting since 1963. Due to its ongoing success, it has attracted a sizable and devoted fan base who are keen to acquire show-related memorabilia.

Rich and Diverse Cast of Iconic Characters: Doctor Who has a cast of characters, aliens, monsters, and gadgets that are all distinct from one another. Numerous aspects of the show make excellent merchandise, from the Doctor's recognisable sonic screwdriver to the menacing Daleks and Cybermen.

Creative World-Building and Storytelling: There are many prospects for merchandise tie-ins thanks to the show's vast universe and inventive storytelling. Every fan can find something they enjoy and want to add to their collection, whether it's toys, clothes, home decor, or collectibles.