Making of Ill Manors - Behind the Scenes

1) What does this tell us about Plan B's intentions in making the film?

Plan B wanted to change people's views on the current youth, due to the stereotypes that the media created during the London riots. He also wanted people to feel for the characters and realise that people like that really exist and that they should reflect upon the fact that people turn out like that because they're aren't loved or given opportunities.

2) What do we learn about the production process for Ill Manors?

Plan B wanted to film in all these 'street' and rough looking areas to add to effect of the story. He also wanted his actors to be genuine, hence why most of the actors haven't had past experience. He went to high schools and auditioned for the parts he wanted. He had wanted to create Ill manors for a long time but lacked funding.

3) What can you tell about the possible target audience from this short documentary?

Whilst the target audience seems to be teens and possible rioters, glamorising the street life, the target audience that Plan B was hoping for would be parents and elders who believed all the stereotypes about youths and that they were all dangerous and that they should be avoided. 

4) Does the film successfully do what director Ben Drew (Plan B) set out to achieve? Explain your answer with reference to both the film and the making of documentary. 

I think that he did accomplish something; whilst the media and newspapers still demonise youths, it doesn't appear as often. That could just be of course because they're aren't any riots or excuses to demonise them, but still its a change. Also, it made people think about these characters and their backgrounds and how this correlates to their behaviour and attitude towards the law.

1) What is the history of the Jonathan Ross show? What channels has it appeared on? Why has Jonathan Ross been a controversial media figure in the past?

Jonathan Ross is British Chat show and radio host and presenter who has his own talk show on ITV. It has been showing since September 2011. He originally had a show on BBC on Friday nights. Whilst he was on the BBC, there was some controversy when he interviewed David Cameron about whether he thought of Lady Thatcher in an inappropriate way. The episode has been banned from being repeated. 

2) Identify the target audience for this interview (demographics/psychographics) and say why.

Statistically speaking, the majority of ITV viewers are about 35 years old or older, which means that they would gain an insight into what Plan B stands for, but since Plan B appeared on the show, younger audiences might watch it too, so I'd say around 16-40 year olds. The older generation of viewers would maybe change their views on hip-hop and youths and maybe not listen to stereotypes as much. Then again, it might just be aimed at the primarily young audiences of Plan B who follow his music and ideals.  

3) What is the audience appeal for a programme like the Jonathan Ross show?

The audience appeal is generally the celebrities who appear on the show and sometimes tell personal stories or answer the questions that audiences want to hear. Also, it shows off the celebrities' more human side and the audience get to see what they're like outside of their comfort zones. 

4) How is Plan B (the brand) represented in this text?

Plan B is represented as a true artist who has strong moral beliefs; so much so that he is respected by Jonathan Ross. Even though he dropped out of high school, he still found his talent and stuck with it, which made him who he is today. 

Radio

1) How popular is BBC Radio 1? Find average listening figures for the station. How has the BBC Radio 1 audience declined over recent years? Why might this have happened?

BBC Radio 1 is a renown radio station which usually brings in the most recent fame and ask the questions that audiences want to hear. Originally, it wasn't at all popular with the younger generation, due to the DJ being in his 40's. It's recent decline would most likely be due to hand held devices which allow people to listen to whatever song they want, whenever they want. Also, there are televised and online interviews with celebrities, which renders radio moot.

2) Who is the target audience for BBC Radio 1?

Primarily, the target age group is 15-29 year olds, but statistics show that the average age of UK listeners were around 33. Despite the fact that they get younger celebrities and play the latest chart songs, the show fails in appealing to those under 20, most likely because the younger generation doesn't listen to radio as much as those who are older, hence the problem isn't the content, but the platform. 

3) How does Plan B promote Ill Manors in this interview?

Plan B promotes the film by bringing it up in his answer to most of the questions and mentioning how much he works on it. For example, when Fearne asks him about his weight loss, he mentions how he had to stop drinking alcohol whilst filming Ill Manors. Also, the audience can see the change that directing the film has brought upon him, e.g. the weight loss, the skills learnt from directing e.t.c.

4) What representation of Plan B can we find in this interview?

Plan B is represented as a director; he talks about shots he's taken and progress with editing and how he's learnt more about directing.