Millennials research

Definition

'Millennials' (also known as generation Y) are the generation following generation X, and are born roughly between the early 1980s and early 2000s.

General characteristics/stereotypes

• Increased use of the media and technology.
• A more liberal social and political mindset: more left-wing, more tolerant of LGBT+, ethnic minorities, etc., anti-Brexit, pro-Bernie Sanders.
  
• Increased narcissism.
• More willing to vote.
• In favour of legalising marijuana (and other drugs).
• More politically correct.
• "Special, sheltered, confident, team-oriented, conventional, pressured, and achieving" - William Strauss and Neil Howe.
• Less religious.

Media/TV consumption

• Females tend to be fans of comedy TV shows, particularly those centred around millennials (e.g. Pretty little liars, Jane the Virgin, Gilmore girls.
• Males tend to be fans of a mixture of comedy (e.g. Bojack Horseman, Silicon Valley, American dad) and conceptual drama (e.g. Game of Thrones, Westworld).
• Tends to be on streaming services more often than networks (including ITV and Channel 5).
• 41% of millennials watch reality TV.
• "Millennials also felt like they watched less Sports, Drama, and, notably, News - 38% of the general population reported watching the news, dropping to 30% amongst Millennials. Their responses indicate that they are generally more interested in soaps and comedy." - https://www.askattest.com/blog/home/millenial-media-habits

My thoughts

Although none of the information I read explicitly mentioned the crime TV genre, I am slightly surprised that millennials don't appear to be huge fans of crime overall. I think that if I choose to make a crime show (which I probably will) I will need to find a way to appeal to the younger audience. Most crime dramas feature detectives who are aged 30+, so perhaps featuring a younger detective could give a twist to the genre (which would also be a USP for the show). Another way to attract a younger audience would be to discuss relevant issues or promote liberal values which I mentioned in my research, although this may not be as effective. A crime hybrid could be an option, for example how Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a comedy-crime show and Doctor Who, The X-Files and Life on Mars are sci-fi-crime.

I was also surprised that one piece of research found that millennials were interested in soaps, as most of the soaps which I researched and have seen seemed clearly aimed at an older audience - I'm guessing that they're referring to non-British soaps like Neighbours and Home and Away. I still don't think a soap would be the best idea in terms of what I will be making, though, as I wouldn't be able to show much creative flare through my use of micro-elements whilst maintaining authenticity to the genre.

Textual research: Broadchurch

I watched the first episode of the ITV series 'Broadchurch' from 2013 starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman. The show focuses on the investigation into the murder of an 11 year old boy in a small town. I thought that the pilot was excellent, and my top choice for my programme would currently be a procedural crime drama similar to Broadchurch. The show uses a large variety of shot types, angles, etc. which the exam board are looking for, so I could use a similar style within my piece. There are also lots of characters and locations with cross-cutting, so doing something similar would allow me to have at least 3 characters (of different classes) and to include at least two different locations. 

I think that the show appeals to the 18-35 year old bracket, although the core audience is perhaps slightly older. I would have to adapt this, possibly by including more 18-35 year old characters or having a crime which revolves around a relevant issue to that age range. In terms of scenes in the show which would act as turning points, the scene when Jodie Whittaker's character sees her son's dead body on the beach seems like the kind of thing which would fit the brief.

 
The programme uses lots of natural lighting and a fairly neutral colour palette, reflecting the show's serious subject matter and realistic style. In the scene where David Tennant and Olivia Colman see the body for the first time, lots of handheld camera and close ups are used to create an uncomfortable atmosphere. Harsh, high-key front lighting is also used to create a serious tone. Quick cutting and breaking of the 180 degree rule are used to create a sense of pace and unrest which matches the emotional states which the characters are going through. We only see the body in long shots, making it unclear at first that it is a child's body, and meaning that it could be approved by any censors. Dramatic non-diegetic music is used to add to the tension and tragedy of the scene. David Tennant, Olivia Colman and Jodie Whittaker all give very emotional performances which add to the emotion of the scene. Slow motion shots are used several times when showing Jodie Whittaker's character to give the feeling that time has stopped for her and to create a surreal mood.