MEST1 mock exam: learner response

Q1: What is the BBC hoping to achieve by including behind the scenes footage?
The BBC's first aim is to create a positive brand image for the BBC. This is due to the fact that the BBC are exceeding society's expectations by embracing nature and the natural world, this interlinks with Dyer's lines of appeal. The BBC are presented as a welcoming and friendly brand. There are many close-ups of the penguins to illustrate how an emotional connection is formed with the audience because there are fascinated, this entices the reader.

In addition, there comedic aspect is highlighted through humor and dedication of the crew. Furthermore, the crew have exchange in dialogue, for instance one quotation is "if you can't beat them join them" and this indicates how the crew use banter to resolve their equilibrium (Todorov's theory). The audience are able to enjoy this humor and creates a source of diversion, an escape from routine, were the audience can relax and embrace the comedy.

Moreover, there is promotion with association with technology which highlights how the BBC have high production values. The use of high-tech equipment promote how the BBC are up-to-date and educates them about the Empire penguin too through the panning shots and facts given by the voice over. 

Q4: Does the programme 'inform, educate and entertain' its audience?
Overall, the programme has successfully employed the public service values of the BBC, especially through informing and educating. The programme itself gives a visual representation of the penguins and their environment/living standards. The voice over states many facts along the way which helps the reader to understand more detail about the Empire penguin, such as their location. This links to the 'Uses and Gratifications' theory that the programme is a source of surveillance by giving away information on nature and is good for general interest. Also the beauty of the penguins is massively embraced. 

In addition, the programme is used as a high source of entertainment through the humorous element. The dialogue used from the voice over is not typical for a nature programme and uses more sarcasm which generates comedy. This reiterates that sense of diversion and is used for pleasure for the audience to enjoy and laugh along with.

Furthermore, entertainment creates an emotional bond between the audience and the camera crew. The use of personal relationships is vital to uplift the connection created because the audience may feel a high amount of appreciation towards the camera crew for being brave. There is mass identification with the crew because the audience gain insight into their circumstances.