Image Analysis; BBC's The Office.

Genre:

• Hybrid 
• Sitcom
• 'Fly-on-the wall' documentary
• British
• Contemporary
• Realism

Written Codes:

The written codes are the BBC logo which enforces the institution that this particular piece of Media Text comes from. The title of the TV programme is shown in front of a clip of an office building. This is known as an establishing shot and sets the scene for the episode. It also anchors the idea of the show being called 'The Office' and also the idea of the work place. The typography used for the title in a sans-serif font which can suggest and enforces the idea that it is a contemporary TV programme. 

Technical Codes:

A lot of mid-shots and also close-ups shots are used, especially for reaction shots which are typical of the sitcom genre. The character based narrative relies on the use of more mid-shots or close-ups. The use of the handheld camera reflects the documentary genre and reenforces the idea of realism. Diegetic sounds of office based sounds anchors the office environment and the lack of non-diegetic sound reenforces the idea of realism of the documentary genre. The accidental use of zoom adds to the spontaneous realism. The editing has scenes which almost reflect "real" time. Straight cuts are used as well as continuity editing extension shots of scenes over natural times create awkward pauses/looks. Use of inserted shots of things (photocopier) reenforces mundane nature of modern working life.

Content Codes:

The setting is in a typical work environment. The setting is typical of the sitcom genre as it is set the the work place. Also, the actual use of a real office reflects documentary genre in terms of realism. The costume and make-up reinforces the realism typical of the documentary genre. Also costume and make-up (characters such as Dawn 'Blonde Bimbo' or Gareth 'Office Geek') reinforce stereotypes and reflect the genre sitcom. No tan lighting reflects the sitcom genre and reinforces the mundane nature of the work. Facial expressions is very natural and spontaneous which reinforces the realism associated with the fly-on-the-wall documentary genre. It also goes against a typical family target audience linked with sitcoms due to it's content. The main protagonist is male (David Brent) who is typical for this genre - He is middle aged and male, he has 'Pathetic' representations. The use of stereotypes reflect the format and sitcom genre. The characters speak to the cameras which breaks the forth wall this also reinforces the genre. There is a linear narrative, typical of a sitcom but organic nature and narrative resolution goes against the sitcom genre.