Teletubbies textual analysis
- 1. When the programme starts we first see a sun rise to the sky. The sun has a baby’s face in the middle. This appeals to children as they know the programme is appropriate for them as they can see a baby of their possible age group on the screen. The scenery is extremely suitable for children as an open field is shown with flowers, which excites the audience as they love to play on a field. The colours used in this theme are bright and colourful which is suitable for the watchers as its bright and fun. The audio at this point plays A transition is played and introduces the image above. A ‘house’ is shown covered in grass surrounded in flowers. This appeals to children as I’ve said before they love to play outside and this house looks camouflaged which excites the audience as they feel this could be their secret ‘den’ to play in and they want to know what’s inside. In the middle of the screen is a long object communicating this object is significant as it’s easily seen and in the middle of the screen.
- 2. The narrator then says ‘Over the hills and far away, Teletubbies come to play’ the characters then jump out of a hole on the roof. This is a surprising entrance and enthuses the children as it’s exciting. This also communicates that they are the main characters as they are the first characters introduced to the audience. As they are introduced the characters shout numbers, this is a useful feature as it makes the theme tune educational for young children who are learning to count at school. This continues for a short while as the other characters are The group then combine and stand together, this is when the television title appears in a bright blue colour. The format is written in blue bubble writing surrounded by a pink layer. This is easily seen and excites the children as it’s fun to look at. In the background is an open field with flowers spread around them. In the background is an object the audience would have seen earlier which is the windmill. This object communicate it’s significance as it is set in the middle of the two screenshots shown communicating to the audience that it plays a key role in the show. The purple Teletubbie is also significant as he/she is shown as the oldest as he/she always stands in front of the others. The colour scheme does not collate with gender stereotypes for example a boy is a yellow colour, this is to create inclusivity and including both genders.
- 3. This programme does not feature Vladimir Propp’s typical characters, nor does it display narrative structure and tension. Because it is designed for pre-school children, there is no structured narrative throughout the programme or a state of equilibrium/disequilibrium meaning this does not class as a Children’s drama. This programme emphasises sensory stimulation over narrative and drama. I want to avoid creating my products for this particular audience as the brief requires dramatic elements. Also I feel it’s significant to display a show to children that educates and entertains which ‘Teletubbies’ does not show.
Editor's Notes
- #2: This programme does not show Vladimir Propp’s typical classified roles as there is not an example of a ‘hero’ in this programme. Also this programme does not display narrative tension and structure as there is no clear narrative throughout the programme or a state of equilibrium meaning this does not class as a Childrens programme.