TV: Deutschland 83 case study
Our second television close-study product is critically acclaimed German cold war spy drama Deutschland 83.
Just like our work on Capital, we need to know everything about Deutschland 83 - from textual analysis of key scenes to how it was funded, distributed and promoted. The notes from the lesson are here:
Historical context: The Cold War
The Cold War was a political dispute between the Eastern Bloc (the Soviet Union – Russia and 14 other states) and the Western Bloc (USA and NATO allies including the UK). It took place from 1947 to 1989.
There was never large-scale fighting between the two sides but on at least two occasions the world came close to a fully-nuclear World War 3.
1983: a critical year in the Cold War
Deutschland 83 screening
We will watch the CSP episode - Season 1, Episode 1 - in class. It is also available here on the All4 website for streaming Channel 4 programmes.
Deutschland 83: case study blog tasks
Work through the following tasks to build a detailed case study for Deutschland 83. This will give you plenty of background information to use in an exam question. Remember, for this CSP the question could be on any of the key concepts: language, industries, audiences or representations.
Reviews and features
Read the following reviews and features on Deutschland 83:
The Guardian - Your next box set: Deutschland 83
Daily Telegraph review
The Guardian - Deutschland 83 Pity the Germans don't like it
1) What positive aspects of Deutschland 83 are highlighted in the reviews?
Deutschland 83’s first episode of eight was the most-watched foreign-language drama in UK history. The pleasure came from the little details of life on the other side of the Iron Curtain. 1983 isn't so long ago, but Communist East Germany now looks like another planet. The minor details they include within the series makes it feel more realistic, giving the audience a sense of what life was like in 1983 Germany.
2) What criticisms are made of the show?
By focusing the story around Martin Rauch, a young East German border guard going undercover in the west, it doesn’t just make the viewer empathise with a Stasi agent on a human level – in the way The Lives of Others did – it makes us engage with the socialist regime’s worldview, in which a military exercise in West Germany poses a potentially existential threat.
3) Why did the Telegraph suggest that Deutschland 83 did the 'period' aspect of 'period drama' so well?
The use of real news footage of Erich Honecker, the East German leader and the televised excerpt from Ronald Reagan's "Evil Empire" speech in 1983 gives the show its historical context which reminds the audience that these events really happened. The characters from the East who are infiltrating the West fit into the description Reagan gave of evil.
4) Find three 'below the line' comments from either of the Guardian articles. What did the audience think of Deutschland 83? Do you agree with the comments?
Interviews and behind-the-scenes video features
Channel 4 News: Matt Frei interviews Jonas Nay
1) What does Jonas Nay say about growing up in a united Germany?
He learned about the Cold War in school, however there was more focus on WW2 because it coincided with his teachers youth and his parents youth. He claims thats there is no more "West vs East" and enjoys his freedom without being monitored.
2) The Channel 4 News interview is conducted in German with English subtitles. How does this reflect Channel 4's remit as a public service broadcaster and their target audience? (Clue: revise your work on Channel 4 and Public Service Broadcasting here!)
Channel 4 says they aim to "deliver high-quality, innovative, alternative content that challenges the status quo" and conducting the interview in German promotes alternative foreign content. This shows the diversity they offer and their target audience look for content which is original and potentially out of what they are used to.
3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the Channel 4 News audience?
Because the audience may become intrigues about politics around the world, so having an account from a German gives them an insight to their current situation. Offering viewpoints from the people from the area can help sculpt the viewers opinions on the situation.
Behind the scenes clips
The All4 website has a range of clips from behind the scenes of Deutschland 83. Watch the following:
Making Of: Why Should You Watch Deutschland 83
Watch this short promotional clip for Deutschland 83.
1) Why should audiences watch Deutschland 83 - what does the clip offer viewers?
This clip made by channel 4 offers an insight to what you could gain from watching this show. It makes an audience more aware of what it's about, without giving away any of the story line.
2) Why is history an important aspect of the appeal of the show?
A lot of people that would be watching this would've either lived through the cold war and are experiencing it again in a different way, or they would be a younger generation who want to know more about what happened, without having to sit through a boring history lesson.
3) What technical aspects are highlighted in the video?
The producer mentions the cinematography, production design and costume to be "striking".
Making Of: Set Design
Watch this interview with Production designer Lars Lange.
1) Why were the set design, costume and props so important for Deutschland 83?
Because it's set in 1983, in locations which needed to look different, it's so important to get it right. Accuracy is key because the show includes real events, so it needs to look as realistic as possible.
2) How historically accurate was the setting, costume and props?
A lot of the production design was based off and inspired by real pictures. There was research that went into trying to understand and get an idea of what everything looked like. The cold war wasn't that long ago so it would've been easier to try and picture the 80s because a lot of those people are still alive today.
3) Why were the props, costumes and music such a key audience pleasure for Deutschland 83?
It has a sense of nostalgia, especially for an older audience. people remember that and those times which make them enjoy the show a lot more.
Textual analysis: trailer
1) The opening of the trailer uses sound and editing to draw the audience in. Explain why this is effective.
It begins with Ronald Reagan's speech and goes straight into very dramatic music, followed by clips of intense moments in the series. The use of a split screen highlights the differences between the east and the west. The editing matches the music which makes it look a lot more appealing.
2) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory (Blumler and Katz).
Diversion would probably be the main audience pleasure as there are many scenes which include violence, as would be expected in a drama or spy thriller. Nostalgia/personal identity is also another audience pleasure as the music used in the trailer at the end would be something that people remember from the 80s.
3) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?
The enigma code is the audience questioning the explosions and fight scenes happening throughout the trailer. The audience want these questions answered so then they feel encouraged to watch the show. The action code of him taking pictures and spying in the film makes the audience feel that the narrative will progress further and it'll get a lot more exciting as the storyline develops.
4) Pick three shots/scenes from the trailer that capture the spy thriller sub-genre. Why might this appeal to an audience? Try and apply Neale's genre theory 'repetition and difference' (the original notes on genre theory are here).
5) Pick three examples of mise-en-scene from the trailer that capture the 1983 setting the confirm the sub-genre of period drama. Why might this appeal to an audience?
6) The trailer uses the song 'Two Tribes' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Why did the producers select this soundtrack for the trailer?
The songs narrative is that the two superpower countries are at war, which very clearly links to the narrative of the series. Again linking back to the idea of nostalgia, this song came out in 1984, appealing to an older audience who remember this song.
7) The only words heard in the trailer are in English. Why do you think the UK trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue?
If an audience knew it was in German, it might've put them off as they would've thought it wasn't as good as if it was in English. By only hearing English words, it surprises the audience when they actually watch it and because it's quite gripping they don't feel put off by it.
Production and industry context
Deutschland 83 was produced by German production company UFA Fiction and distributed internationally by FremantleMedia International. It was broadcast on RTL (Germany), SundanceTV (US) and Channel 4 (UK) as well as many other broadcasters around the world.
1) Read this Freemantle Media press release on the worldwide success of Deutschland 83. How is the drama described by the distributor? Why was it considered such an international success?
The CEO describes it as the compelling series that captivated viewers around the world. The show was produced by award winning creators and directors.
2) Read this Freemantle Media press release on Deutschland 83 becoming Channel 4's highest rated foreign drama. What was the consolidated viewing figure for Episode 1 of Deutschland 83? What praise for Deutschland 83 is included in the press release?
It had 2.5 million viewers. They said that the show is a subtitles sensation, how the soundtrack is powerful, how its the best show of the year and that it's gripping.
3) How does the press release promote the Channel 4 'Walter Presents' collection of international TV drama?
The show is subtitles into English for domestic viewers, Walter Presents reviewing and promoting this means that the collection of TV Drama that they recommend will be taken as seriously in both domestic and international languages.
Production and industry context
Deutschland 83 was produced by German production company UFA Fiction and distributed internationally by FremantleMedia International. It was broadcast on RTL (Germany), SundanceTV (US) and Channel 4 (UK) as well as many other broadcasters around teh world.
1) Read this Freemantle Media press release on the worldwide success of Deutschland 83. How is the drama described by the distributor? Why was it considered such an international success?
The CEO describes it as the compelling series that captivated viewers around the world. The show was produced by award winning creators and directors.
2) Read this Freemantle Media press release on Deutschland 83 becoming Channel 4's highest rated foreign drama. What was the consolidated viewing figure for Episode 1 of Deutschland 83? What praise for Deutschland 83 is included in the press release?
It had 2.5 million viewers. They said that the show is a subtitles sensation, how the soundtrack is powerful, how its the best show of the year and that it's gripping.
3) How does the press release promote the Channel 4 'Walter Presents' collection of international TV drama?
The show is subtitles into English for domestic viewers, Walter Presents reviewing and promoting this means that the collection of TV Drama that they recommend will be taken as seriously in both domestic and international languages
Walter Presents
1) How does Channel 4 introduce 'Walter'?
They introduce him as a man with 'impeccable taste' who spends his time watching series and picks the best ones for channel 4.
2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?
An niche audience who enjoy art-house cinema. The look of the 'Walter presents' logo alone looks quite niche and something that channel 4 haven't explored before.
3) How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?
They make the audience aware that box sets are available online, something which will appeal to a younger audience. It shows that video and texts can now be promoted online and are dominating the amount of time people take to watch shows online.
Marketing and promotion
Look at the online Channel 4 press pack for Deutschland 83.
1) Read the programme information from the press pack. How does the programme information seek to interest a reader from the first paragraph?
It makes the reader question why was Martin picked, what will they do with the NATO files and how the tension between the two superpowers increase. Because it's based off 'real events', the reader gains the gratification of learning about the war and also brings up nostalgia for those who could remember this specific time of the war.
2) What does the programme information suggest the main strengths of the programme are?
They call the programme 'stylish, fast-paced and utterly gripping'. Both sides of Germany are considered in the narrative.
3) Read the press pack interview with writer Anna Winger. How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?
She interviewed politicians, former and current intelligence officials and just regular people for further knowledge on the facts. They gave the perspective of both sides of the show and through the life of a spy, something that most other shows haven't done. This gave the audience a good insight into both sides, they get to see or find out something they never knew before.
One part of creating the the detail of the drama is that the cast and crew all had their experiences of what Germany was before and/or after the wall came down and they also worked a lot on this show to create it as accurate as they could while still being entertaining.
4) Anna Winger discusses the use of music. Why might the soundtrack attract an audience?
The idea of nostalgia comes into play here too. People are familiar with the 80s soundtrack.
International marketing
Look at these two different marketing campaigns - the UK DVD release (left) and the American Sundance TV advert (right).
1) How does the UK DVD cover communicate the sub-genre of the drama?
The copy on the wall just above both sides of his head ('Over the wall', 'Undercover') is a clear indication to a spy drama. The Radio Times review quote also hints towards the sub-genre.
2) Analyse the mise-en-scene in the UK DVD cover. What does it communicate to the audience?
The DVD cover has used colour on only half of the poster/wall. This hints at it being set on both sides of the wall. It also highlights that the west was a much brighter, more desirable place to be compared to the east which looks dark and grey. The use of the Walkman as a prop will attract an older audience as it's nostalgic and something they're familiar with.
3) How does the American branding use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?
The American TV advert has used much brighter colours. The blue and pink are very eye-catching and they attract anyone who sees it. It doesn't really give anything away in terms of the story-line or sub-genre. The graphics help us understand that it's probably a show related to war, along with the protagonists costume.
4) Why might the distributors Freemantle Media International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?
They've done this to appeal to different audiences.
Just like our work on Capital, we need to know everything about Deutschland 83 - from textual analysis of key scenes to how it was funded, distributed and promoted. The notes from the lesson are here:
Historical context: The Cold War
The Cold War was a political dispute between the Eastern Bloc (the Soviet Union – Russia and 14 other states) and the Western Bloc (USA and NATO allies including the UK). It took place from 1947 to 1989.
There was never large-scale fighting between the two sides but on at least two occasions the world came close to a fully-nuclear World War 3.
The Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War, constructed after the Berlin crisis of 1961.
It divided Communist-controlled East Berlin and NATO-supporting West Berlin. East Germans were not allowed to cross the border for a better life in the West – many were shot trying to climb over the wall.
The East German government eventually allowed people to freely cross the border on 9 November 1989.
1983: a critical year in the Cold War
The Cold War almost boiled over into nuclear war in 1983 when a NATO exercise called Able Archer caused some politicians in East Germany and the Soviet Union to believe the USA was planning a nuclear first-strike.
Deutschland 83 screening
We will watch the CSP episode - Season 1, Episode 1 - in class. It is also available here on the All4 website for streaming Channel 4 programmes.
Deutschland 83: case study blog tasks
Work through the following tasks to build a detailed case study for Deutschland 83. This will give you plenty of background information to use in an exam question. Remember, for this CSP the question could be on any of the key concepts: language, industries, audiences or representations.
Reviews and features
Read the following reviews and features on Deutschland 83:
The Guardian - Your next box set: Deutschland 83
Daily Telegraph review
The Guardian - Deutschland 83 Pity the Germans don't like it
1) What positive aspects of Deutschland 83 are highlighted in the reviews?
Deutschland 83’s first episode of eight was the most-watched foreign-language drama in UK history. The pleasure came from the little details of life on the other side of the Iron Curtain. 1983 isn't so long ago, but Communist East Germany now looks like another planet. The minor details they include within the series makes it feel more realistic, giving the audience a sense of what life was like in 1983 Germany.
2) What criticisms are made of the show?
By focusing the story around Martin Rauch, a young East German border guard going undercover in the west, it doesn’t just make the viewer empathise with a Stasi agent on a human level – in the way The Lives of Others did – it makes us engage with the socialist regime’s worldview, in which a military exercise in West Germany poses a potentially existential threat.
3) Why did the Telegraph suggest that Deutschland 83 did the 'period' aspect of 'period drama' so well?
The use of real news footage of Erich Honecker, the East German leader and the televised excerpt from Ronald Reagan's "Evil Empire" speech in 1983 gives the show its historical context which reminds the audience that these events really happened. The characters from the East who are infiltrating the West fit into the description Reagan gave of evil.
4) Find three 'below the line' comments from either of the Guardian articles. What did the audience think of Deutschland 83? Do you agree with the comments?
Interviews and behind-the-scenes video features
Channel 4 News: Matt Frei interviews Jonas Nay
1) What does Jonas Nay say about growing up in a united Germany?
He learned about the Cold War in school, however there was more focus on WW2 because it coincided with his teachers youth and his parents youth. He claims thats there is no more "West vs East" and enjoys his freedom without being monitored.
2) The Channel 4 News interview is conducted in German with English subtitles. How does this reflect Channel 4's remit as a public service broadcaster and their target audience? (Clue: revise your work on Channel 4 and Public Service Broadcasting here!)
Channel 4 says they aim to "deliver high-quality, innovative, alternative content that challenges the status quo" and conducting the interview in German promotes alternative foreign content. This shows the diversity they offer and their target audience look for content which is original and potentially out of what they are used to.
3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the Channel 4 News audience?
Because the audience may become intrigues about politics around the world, so having an account from a German gives them an insight to their current situation. Offering viewpoints from the people from the area can help sculpt the viewers opinions on the situation.
Behind the scenes clips
The All4 website has a range of clips from behind the scenes of Deutschland 83. Watch the following:
Making Of: Why Should You Watch Deutschland 83
Watch this short promotional clip for Deutschland 83.
1) Why should audiences watch Deutschland 83 - what does the clip offer viewers?
This clip made by channel 4 offers an insight to what you could gain from watching this show. It makes an audience more aware of what it's about, without giving away any of the story line.
2) Why is history an important aspect of the appeal of the show?
A lot of people that would be watching this would've either lived through the cold war and are experiencing it again in a different way, or they would be a younger generation who want to know more about what happened, without having to sit through a boring history lesson.
3) What technical aspects are highlighted in the video?
The producer mentions the cinematography, production design and costume to be "striking".
Making Of: Set Design
Watch this interview with Production designer Lars Lange.
1) Why were the set design, costume and props so important for Deutschland 83?
Because it's set in 1983, in locations which needed to look different, it's so important to get it right. Accuracy is key because the show includes real events, so it needs to look as realistic as possible.
2) How historically accurate was the setting, costume and props?
A lot of the production design was based off and inspired by real pictures. There was research that went into trying to understand and get an idea of what everything looked like. The cold war wasn't that long ago so it would've been easier to try and picture the 80s because a lot of those people are still alive today.
3) Why were the props, costumes and music such a key audience pleasure for Deutschland 83?
It has a sense of nostalgia, especially for an older audience. people remember that and those times which make them enjoy the show a lot more.
Textual analysis: trailer
1) The opening of the trailer uses sound and editing to draw the audience in. Explain why this is effective.
It begins with Ronald Reagan's speech and goes straight into very dramatic music, followed by clips of intense moments in the series. The use of a split screen highlights the differences between the east and the west. The editing matches the music which makes it look a lot more appealing.
2) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory (Blumler and Katz).
Diversion would probably be the main audience pleasure as there are many scenes which include violence, as would be expected in a drama or spy thriller. Nostalgia/personal identity is also another audience pleasure as the music used in the trailer at the end would be something that people remember from the 80s.
3) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?
The enigma code is the audience questioning the explosions and fight scenes happening throughout the trailer. The audience want these questions answered so then they feel encouraged to watch the show. The action code of him taking pictures and spying in the film makes the audience feel that the narrative will progress further and it'll get a lot more exciting as the storyline develops.
4) Pick three shots/scenes from the trailer that capture the spy thriller sub-genre. Why might this appeal to an audience? Try and apply Neale's genre theory 'repetition and difference' (the original notes on genre theory are here).
5) Pick three examples of mise-en-scene from the trailer that capture the 1983 setting the confirm the sub-genre of period drama. Why might this appeal to an audience?
6) The trailer uses the song 'Two Tribes' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Why did the producers select this soundtrack for the trailer?
The songs narrative is that the two superpower countries are at war, which very clearly links to the narrative of the series. Again linking back to the idea of nostalgia, this song came out in 1984, appealing to an older audience who remember this song.
7) The only words heard in the trailer are in English. Why do you think the UK trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue?
If an audience knew it was in German, it might've put them off as they would've thought it wasn't as good as if it was in English. By only hearing English words, it surprises the audience when they actually watch it and because it's quite gripping they don't feel put off by it.
Production and industry context
Deutschland 83 was produced by German production company UFA Fiction and distributed internationally by FremantleMedia International. It was broadcast on RTL (Germany), SundanceTV (US) and Channel 4 (UK) as well as many other broadcasters around the world.
1) Read this Freemantle Media press release on the worldwide success of Deutschland 83. How is the drama described by the distributor? Why was it considered such an international success?
The CEO describes it as the compelling series that captivated viewers around the world. The show was produced by award winning creators and directors.
2) Read this Freemantle Media press release on Deutschland 83 becoming Channel 4's highest rated foreign drama. What was the consolidated viewing figure for Episode 1 of Deutschland 83? What praise for Deutschland 83 is included in the press release?
It had 2.5 million viewers. They said that the show is a subtitles sensation, how the soundtrack is powerful, how its the best show of the year and that it's gripping.
3) How does the press release promote the Channel 4 'Walter Presents' collection of international TV drama?
The show is subtitles into English for domestic viewers, Walter Presents reviewing and promoting this means that the collection of TV Drama that they recommend will be taken as seriously in both domestic and international languages.
Production and industry context
Deutschland 83 was produced by German production company UFA Fiction and distributed internationally by FremantleMedia International. It was broadcast on RTL (Germany), SundanceTV (US) and Channel 4 (UK) as well as many other broadcasters around teh world.
1) Read this Freemantle Media press release on the worldwide success of Deutschland 83. How is the drama described by the distributor? Why was it considered such an international success?
The CEO describes it as the compelling series that captivated viewers around the world. The show was produced by award winning creators and directors.
2) Read this Freemantle Media press release on Deutschland 83 becoming Channel 4's highest rated foreign drama. What was the consolidated viewing figure for Episode 1 of Deutschland 83? What praise for Deutschland 83 is included in the press release?
It had 2.5 million viewers. They said that the show is a subtitles sensation, how the soundtrack is powerful, how its the best show of the year and that it's gripping.
3) How does the press release promote the Channel 4 'Walter Presents' collection of international TV drama?
The show is subtitles into English for domestic viewers, Walter Presents reviewing and promoting this means that the collection of TV Drama that they recommend will be taken as seriously in both domestic and international languages
Walter Presents
1) How does Channel 4 introduce 'Walter'?
They introduce him as a man with 'impeccable taste' who spends his time watching series and picks the best ones for channel 4.
2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?
An niche audience who enjoy art-house cinema. The look of the 'Walter presents' logo alone looks quite niche and something that channel 4 haven't explored before.
3) How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?
They make the audience aware that box sets are available online, something which will appeal to a younger audience. It shows that video and texts can now be promoted online and are dominating the amount of time people take to watch shows online.
Marketing and promotion
Look at the online Channel 4 press pack for Deutschland 83.
1) Read the programme information from the press pack. How does the programme information seek to interest a reader from the first paragraph?
It makes the reader question why was Martin picked, what will they do with the NATO files and how the tension between the two superpowers increase. Because it's based off 'real events', the reader gains the gratification of learning about the war and also brings up nostalgia for those who could remember this specific time of the war.
They call the programme 'stylish, fast-paced and utterly gripping'. Both sides of Germany are considered in the narrative.
3) Read the press pack interview with writer Anna Winger. How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?
She interviewed politicians, former and current intelligence officials and just regular people for further knowledge on the facts. They gave the perspective of both sides of the show and through the life of a spy, something that most other shows haven't done. This gave the audience a good insight into both sides, they get to see or find out something they never knew before.
One part of creating the the detail of the drama is that the cast and crew all had their experiences of what Germany was before and/or after the wall came down and they also worked a lot on this show to create it as accurate as they could while still being entertaining.
The idea of nostalgia comes into play here too. People are familiar with the 80s soundtrack.
International marketing
Look at these two different marketing campaigns - the UK DVD release (left) and the American Sundance TV advert (right).
1) How does the UK DVD cover communicate the sub-genre of the drama?
The copy on the wall just above both sides of his head ('Over the wall', 'Undercover') is a clear indication to a spy drama. The Radio Times review quote also hints towards the sub-genre.
2) Analyse the mise-en-scene in the UK DVD cover. What does it communicate to the audience?
The DVD cover has used colour on only half of the poster/wall. This hints at it being set on both sides of the wall. It also highlights that the west was a much brighter, more desirable place to be compared to the east which looks dark and grey. The use of the Walkman as a prop will attract an older audience as it's nostalgic and something they're familiar with.
3) How does the American branding use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?
The American TV advert has used much brighter colours. The blue and pink are very eye-catching and they attract anyone who sees it. It doesn't really give anything away in terms of the story-line or sub-genre. The graphics help us understand that it's probably a show related to war, along with the protagonists costume.
4) Why might the distributors Freemantle Media International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?
They've done this to appeal to different audiences.
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