Hills (2004) lists a number of defining characteristics of cult TV that contain similarities to the defining characteristics of pop genres (e.g. fantasy, science fiction) discussed earlier in the Pop Genres paper. Can you identify these and discuss why you think that these characteristics are repeatedly viewed as underpinning popular genres
Hill (2004) definitions of cult television do show some similarities to pop genre; definition one for instance describes how the diegesis of these shows is often other-wordly allowing the audience to escape the confines of their ordinary world and take part in the pseudo-reality created within the show. This hyper-diegesis as Hill calls it, means that because the show takes place in a world of fantasy the concept of realism within the show is often blurred also, allowing for the producers greater freedoms when it comes to creating sub-plots or variations in the narrative. These variations create much more background on characters than the conventional mode of operation in fantasy/science fiction in which all we learn about a character is how he progresses to the next goal and over comes his obstacles, which is all great, but that also creates a very one dimensional persona to the character. Cult TV on the other hand, by creating these variations gives each character a little more back story, allowing the audiences to 'connect' more with the characters, and in turn become more hooked to the program.
What role does Hills (2004) suggest the fans play in the construction of cult TV? How is new media central to this?
The role of fans in the development of a cult TV show, because without the fans the term 'cult' would have to be removed. The following of the program must be substantial if the show is to receive cult status. Hill (2004) gives four examples of how this happens; firstly, the show becomes part of a group of programs that is not defined by anybody, bu rather this group is formed individually, when the audience begins to link the program with others due to similarities in theme or philosophical concepts. Secondly, fans will define these groupings and shows as 'cult' status, which means that although the shows may not share similarities in the conventional sense, the followings are what combines them under the term 'cult TV'. Thirdly, fans of cult TV form "Appreciation Societies", groups in which the fans discuss the shows and exchange theories of future episodes and meet with each other at conventions. These conventions allow not only for inter-textual development of the cult status, but it allows for the expansion of the fan base, through media exposure.Also, with the internet the number of cult TV shows out there is expanding rapidly, and sources of information on the shows is readily available to anyone in the world. Finally, with such a large target audience and consumerism at its best, these cult TV shows create a huge market for memorabilia and merchandise bearing the shows logo.
Some initially good points Gabriel - however one important thing that's missing from your responses is reference to the primary texts. For example, you state that cult tv "gives each character a little more back story, allowing the audiences to 'connect' more with the characters: but you don't exemplfy this using a particular instance of cult tv, such as Buffy (the screenings were to help with this). You also need to comment on the theory you discuss, providing personal insight that comes to mind as you respond to the questions. The theory (secondary text), primary text and personal opinion relationship is impt for this type of theoretical literary discussion.
ReplyDeleteJust fyi - you need to publish your week 4 draft. Also you haven't posted for weeks 6, 7 or 8.
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