Deutschland 83: case study

 Introduction: Reviews and features

1) Find one positive aspect and one criticism of Deutschland 83 in the reviews.

It's almost as if the show tries to balance its bold premise by falling into familiar territory. The Stasi officers come across as ruthless ideologues who manipulate families and fabricate reports for political gain. Yet, despite this, it’s a standout moment in an almost flawless series. The first episode of Deutschland 83 became the most-watched foreign-language drama in UK history.

2) Why does the second Guardian article suggest the Germans didn't like the show?

It stereotypes German people:

"In Germany, where the cold war can still send chills, that feels a bit too simple."

3) 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?

The moment highlights the stark contrast between East and West, with Martin realizing how different life is there and questioning if he should return. The song "Sweet Dreams" underscores the West’s materialism, showing how luxuries are out of reach for him.

By focusing on Martin, a young East German border guard undercover in the West, the series positions him as the hero, making the audience sympathize with him, even as it shows the darker side of his job.

The Guardian’s use of italics to describe the peace movement being infiltrated by gay Soviet agents reflects its criticism of the show’s "wokeness," but it seems to be searching for reasons to fault it.

Promotional interview

1) What does Jonas Nay say about growing up in a united Germany? 

Most of what he knew about the Cold War came from school, but he learned more about WWII. He also mentions that he doesn’t feel like he’s either West or East German, because when he was born, Germany hadn’t been divided yet.

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 tends to focus on more niche content, aiming to educate or make a statement rather than just appeal to a mainstream audience. The German show isn't mainstream, yet it attracts a German audience, while the English subtitles suggest they’re also reaching out to a British audience, possibly to teach them about the Cold War.

3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the a Channel 4 audience?

A Channel 4 audience is likely to be interested in staying informed about recent trends, so they might find the show’s perspective intriguing. Hearing from someone who actually lives there could offer a fresh and valuable viewpoint.

Textual analysis: Audience pleasures and representations

Type up your analysis from the lesson using the headings below. You may want to watch the key scenes again and develop your notes in further detail - the more specific and memorable your analysis, the better it will serve you when writing an essay on TV drama. Here's a Google doc we have worked on in past Media lessons on this topic - feel free to use these notes alongside your own. You'll need to use your Greenford Google login to access this.

Scene 1: Garden/BBQ scenes (East & West Germany)

4.58 – 8.20 and 34.00 – 37.20

Make notes under the following headings:

• Technical codes – particularly mise-en-scene
• Representation of East & West Germany / Family / Gender

Scene 2: Martin/Moritz first sees the West German supermarket 

14.30 – 20.25

Make notes under the following headings:

• Technical codes – particularly mise-en-scene
• Audio codes – particularly music
• Representation of East & West Germany / Communism & Capitalism / Historical accuracy
• Audience pleasures

Scene 3: Training montage scene when Martin/Moritz learns how to be a spy

20.40 – 22.40

Make notes under the following headings:

• Technical codes – particularly camerawork and editing
• Audio codes
• Audience pleasures
• Intertextuality

Scene 4: Briefcase scene when Martin/Moritz is stealing the NATO nuclear plans

31.13 – 33.30

Make notes under the following headings:

• Technical codes – particularly camerawork and editing
• Audio codes – diegetic and non-diegetic sound
• Audience pleasures

You will do the majority of this textual analysis work in class - this section of your case study simply requires typing up your notes in an easy and memorable way (bullet points are fine).

Production and industry contexts

1) What kind of company is UFA Fiction and what shows have they produced?

UFA Fiction is a German production company known for producing high-quality television dramas and films. Notable productions include Deutschland 83, The Tower, and Generation War.

2) What kind of company is Freemantle and what do they produce?

Fremantle is a global production and distribution company that produces and distributes entertainment content, including The X Factor, Got Talent, and Deutschland 83.

3) How does Deutschland 83 reflect the international nature of television production?

The series was produced in Germany, distributed internationally by Fremantle, and broadcast in different languages on various platforms like RTL (Germany), SundanceTV (US), and Channel 4 (UK). 


Walter Presents

1) How does Channel 4 introduce 'Walter'?

Channel 4 introduces Walter with a smooth fade-in, followed by a montage of scenes from various dramas. This approach highlights each show’s high quality. By using enigma codes, they build a sense of mystery, offering just enough to capture the audience’s interest without revealing too much. This keeps viewers intrigued and wanting more.

2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?

I think the show would appeal to a younger audience or anyone who enjoys thrillers, especially since it features scenes with violence and death.

3) How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?

There are fewer stereotypical portrayals of women compared to earlier, more traditional representations, reflecting a shift in the digital age.

Marketing and promotion

1) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory (Blumler and Katz).

Personal Identity: Viewers who either lived through the Cold War or have family members who did may feel a personal connection to the story and its characters.

Diversion (Entertainment): Voyeurism (kissing & spy scenes), action and fighting scenes, fake story line in an opposite perspective based on something real.

Surveillance (Information): By drawing from real historical events, the drama provides valuable insight into the experiences of those who lived through the Cold War.

2) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?

The use of enigma and action codes is clear in moments like Martin rushing down a hallway, leaving viewers questioning. Then, a fast-paced scene where Martin is attacked by a woman and possibly held at gunpoint by the same person adds even more mystery. These clues create a sense of intrigue, suggesting a story filled with suspense, betrayal, and high stakes, all while pulling the audience in emotionally and compelling them to keep watching.

3) The only words heard in the trailer are in English. Why do you think the UK trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue?

English is a widely spoken language around the world, and by using it in the trailer, it expands the reach to a global audience. This allows the content to connect with people from various countries, not just one.

Press pack

1) How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?

Her husband's experiences working for the West and observing the East inspired her to create a drama that tells the story from the East’s perspective. The show's authentic and realistic portrayal was crucial in making it such a successful spy drama.

2) Anna Winger discusses the use of music. Why might the soundtrack attract an audience?

It was a groundbreaking year for pop culture, with songs that became hits all over the world. On top of that, the rise of music videos allowed people to experience music in a whole new visual way for the first time. This mix of music and visuals not only captured the spirit of the era but also gives today’s audiences a richer, more engaging way to connect with that time.

Press release

1) List the key statistics concerning audience figures. Why was it considered the most successful foreign language drama?

The first episode debuted with 1.49 million viewers and has since grown to 2.5 million, surpassing The Returned, which previously held the record with 2.2 million viewers.

2) How does the press release describe Deutschland 83?

1. Saga could be your new subtitled obsession
2. Coolest show of the year
3. evocative and gripping
4. The next subtitled sensation

International marketing

1) How does the UK DVD cover communicate the sub-genre of the drama?

The phrase "Over the wall - under cover/under the gun" captures the essence of the spy sub-genre. With Martin front and center on the DVD cover, wearing a Walkman, it hints at the coming-of-age theme of the drama while also tying into the historical backdrop of a costume drama. The typography of "Under Cover" further emphasizes the classic spy elements that are central to the series.

2) How do these use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?

Graphics: The graffiti-style visuals amplify the 80s feel, reflecting the era’s lifestyle and trends, which draws the audience in even more.

Font & Colour: The bold, attention-grabbing design taps into the vibrant style often linked with the 80s in Western culture, stirring up a sense of nostalgia.

3) Why might the distributors Freemantle International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries? 

Every country takes pride in its own values and culture. The UK focuses on its deep history and heritage, while the US places a strong emphasis on Hollywood and entertainment. To make an impact in each market, campaigns need to be customised to highlight aspects that resonate with the people in each country.