SIMILAR PRODUCT ANALYSIS

Ben Trant

ALMOST ROYALBBC America: 2014

KEY FACTS Almost Royal was a seven episode mockumentary series which

aired on BBC America in 2014. It followed two comedians tour America, claiming to be British Aristocrats, whose position in line to the throne changes in each episode but is always above 50th.

The show has been renewed for a second series of eight episodes despite receiving generally unfavourable reviews from critics.

STRUCTURE There is always the same two minute

introduction and title sequence, with their backstory being narrated as you see their dying Father request them to visit his beloved America.

The running joke is them carrying a vase with their Fathers’ ashes with them at all times

They continuously flaunt jewellery and watches to show off their ‘royalty’. Expensive designer dresses and tailor made suits are also the most commonly worn costumes.

A key part of the series is the American history and culture. For example they re-enact a Civil War battle, ride a rodeo and go to a shooting range.

Each episode lasts for about 23 minutes and features the two comedians visiting different states such as Boston, New York and Texas.

There is only one camera and most the acting and dialogue is improvised as the Americans are unsuspecting of their acting. The lighting is always natural as most the scenes are filmed outdoors whilst any indoor scenes are during the day with sunlight or room lights.

Most the shots are close ups, medium or over the shoulder shots. This is due to the fact that both the comedy and purpose stems from the interaction between at least three people (i.e. the presenters and at least one other person)

PRODUCTION

AN IDIOT ABROADSky 1: 2010 - 2012

An Idiot Abroad has been a television phenomenon and is currently into its third series, with a spin off show, Karl Pilkington The moaning of life about to start a second series. The show features Karl Pilkington travel the world and exploring different cultures but with his very negative persona causing him to say unforgettably controversial quotes.

The success of the series has led to it being nominated and winning many television awards as well as critical success from critics and viewers.

Karl Pilkington himself has been lauded the ‘TV phenomenon of the 21st century’.

KEY FACTS

Each episode is 60 minutes long with the first series consisting of 8 episodes. The start of every episode consists of Karl being brought into Ricky and

Stephens office to be told where he is going next. After some funny travel advice and a hilarious disapproving response from Karl, he heads

Because Pilkington has no interest in global travel, Merchant and Gervais make him travel the world whilst they monitor his progress with skype and phone calls.

Karl visits each of the seven Wonders of the world and tries out new foods, rituals, sports and dances.

Throughout each episode, Ricky and Stephen will phone or leave Karl a voicemail telling him to meet up with a local or tor guide who will welcome them into their home and show him their culture. Eventually towards the end of the episode, Karl will get to the wonder and obviously, will be far from impressed.

STRUCTURE

PRODUCTIONPRODUCTION DISTRIBUTIONMe & You Productions (season 3-) British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB)

RiSK Productions (season 2-) Science Channel (2011-)

Sky Travel Channel (2015)

 PEOPLE JUST DO NOTHING

Youtube / BBC three: 2010 - present

People just do nothing originally started as a YouTube series in 2010, although it struggled for views, the popularity eventually grew and the BBC commissioned a pilot episode in 2012. A four part series launched in mid 2014 and was followed by a 5 episode series a year later.

 

KEY FACTS

Filmed on the South Acton Estate which is now being demolished

Running time: 30 minutes

STRUCTURE

Executive producer: Ash Atalla Producer: Jon Petrie Location: Brentford and London Production company: Roughcut

PRODUCTION