Tehran Class Flashcards
1
Q
Tehran Product Context
A
- Israeli spy drama thriller series created for the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC)
- Tehran was released internationally on Apple TV+, becoming the first non-English series on the platform
- Majority of the dialogue is in Hebrew and Persian, with English subtitles available
2
Q
Behind the scenes
A
- Directed by Daniel Syrkin, created and written by Moshe Zander, also know for his work on Fauda
- Niv Sutlan underwent Persian Language lessons and Krav Maga training for her role
- Tehran premiered in Israel and gained global attention, similar to Fauda on Netflix
3
Q
Tehran plot summary
A
- Tehran follows Tamar Rabinyan, a hacker agent for Mossad, on an undercover mission to disable an Iranian nuclear reactor
- The series explores the tension between Iran and Israel regarding Iran
- Season 1 depicts Rabinyan mission in Iran, her birthplace
4
Q
Recognition and renewal
A
- Tehran won and Emmy for best drama series, the first Israeli series to achieve this
- Apple TV+ renewed Tehran for a second series, released in May 2022
5
Q
Spy thriller genre
A
- Spy thrillers focus on fictional espionage, often featuring solo undercover agents
- Popular for providing escapism with exotic locations, fast-paced action, and a clear protagonist
- Tehran adheres to genre conventions, with a narrative set in the context of the Iran-Israel proxy conflict
6
Q
Genre evolution
A
- Spy thriller TV genres have evolved from theatres to TV screens over the past two decades
- Tehran shares similarities in structure, fast-paced narrative, and real-life context
- Tehran reflects current tensions between Iran and Israel, making it culturally relevant
7
Q
Breaking gender norms
A
- Tehran features a female protagonist, Tamar, breaking the traditional male spy character stereotype
- Reflects audience demands for more dynamic and original characters
- Similar to Killing Eve, Tehran places a woman at the centre of the narrative
8
Q
Media Language - Visual Codes
A
- Dress codes play a crucial role in establishing character identity and ideological stance in Tehran
- The use of dress codes helps anchor the cultural context of the show for the audience
9
Q
Media Language - Technical codes
A
- Handheld camera use at the beginning of episode 1 creates an immediate sense of action and tension
10
Q
Media Language - Audio codes
A
- Tehran uses a mixture of languages, including Persian, Hebrew, and English
- Mark Eliyahu’s enigmatic score, incorporating Iranian instruments, contributes to the show’s identity
11
Q
Theoretical approach - Todorov
A
- Tehran’s first episode throws the audience into the critical stage of the mission without a traditional build-up
- Immediate immersion in the action chosen over a more traditional narrative structure
12
Q
Theoretical approach - Neale
A
- Neale’s theory of repetition and difference applies to Tehran, balancing traditional spy thriller conventions with a unique spin
- Tehran establishes itself as a contemporary example of a spy thriller drama series
13
Q
Theoretical approach - Levi Strauss
A
- Tehran is set within the factual context of a political conflict between Israel and Iran
- The media language reinforces a binary opposite between Iranians as the enemy and Tamar (Israelis) as the protagonist
14
Q
Social and cultural context
A
- Viewer understanding of Iran-Israel is crucial for a comprehensive interpretation of Tehran
- Independent research is recommended to grasp historical context, influencing the representation of events, individuals, and social groups
15
Q
Selection and combination in representation
A
- Tamar’s journey in Tehran showcases diverse aspects of Iranian culture
- Scenes of contemporary lifestyle and public execution are juxtaposed, prompting reflection on the producer’s political positioning
16
Q
Versions of reality through Re-presentation
A
- The show begins with a disclaimer of fictional content, but research reveals parallels with real events, particularly Israel’s opposition to Iran’s nuclear program
- The blurring of lines between fiction and reality emphasises the importance of understanding the political context
17
Q
Producer’s choices in Representation
A
- Influences the portrayal of Iranian culture
- Consideration of the historical and political context of Israeli-Iran tensions is essential to understanding representations in Iran
18
Q
Underrepresentation and Misrepresentation
A
- Tehran represents a shift in diversity on streaming platforms
- Variety Magazine notes the show’s reflection of the present-day American stance towards Iran, emphasising the need for thorough research into representations
19
Q
Claims about realism in representation
A
- The inclusion of the public execution scene in Tehran could be seen as damaging, but reports confirm similar events in Iran
- The series portrays real-life issues amidst political tensions
20
Q
Historical context in representation
A
- The history of the hijab in Iran, compulsory since the 1979 Islamic revolution, is significant in contextualising ideologies and beliefs - Different dress codes reflect cultural values, and recent events, such as burning hijabs as a symbol of rebellion, are relevant
21
Q
Feminist theories - bell hooks
A
- Tamar challenges and conforms to aspects of the theory
- While empowering as a strong female character, violence towards women in the narrative reflects the cultural context
22
Q
Feminist theories - Van Zoonen
A
- Reinforcing gender roles
- Tamar, though portraying alternative representations, sometimes conforms to stereotypical feminine characteristics for disguise
23
Q
UN Commission on the Status of Women
A
- Removed Iran due to oppressive actions against women, including the death of Mahsa Amini
- The UK’s statement emphasises the inconsistency of Iran’s actions with the commission’s objective
24
Q
Production teams and organisations
A
- The production team includes Israeli industry veterans: Maor Kohn, Omri Shenhar, and Daniel Syrkin
- Donna Shula Productions and Paper Plane Productions co-produced Tehran
- Paper Entertainment, created by Julien Leroux, and Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund also involved
25
Distribution and International Collaboration
- Cineflix Rights handled international distribution for Tehran
- Apple TV+ struck a co-production deal with Cineflix Media to launch the show on their streaming service
- Tehran in an internationally-produced venture with collaboration from multiple organisations and professionals
26
Production scale and funding
- Tehran demonstrates high production values and an ambitious scale
- Unconfirmed reports suggest Apple TV+ paid 1 million dollars per episode
- Casting process contributed to the show's success
27
Filming location and political constraints
- Tehran's production took place in Athens, Greece, due to political tensions preventing filming in Tehran
- Athens was chosen for its architecutral similarities, avoiding the need for studio sets or facades
28
Technological change and streaming networks
- TV streaming networks, especially Apple TV+, played a key role in Tehran's global success, linked to streaming platforms and a broader audience
29
Multi-territory environment and digital technology
- Advances in digital technology contribute to the fast growth in global drama demand
- Production companies , like paper plane, collaborate to create content in a multi-territory environment
- Paper Plane entered a deal with Apple TV+ in 2020 for co-producing international dramas
30
Audience Maintenance and Marketing
- Tehran's success contributes to launching Israeli productions globally
- Apple TV+ and Kan's collaboration aims to establish Israeli content on a global scale
- Tal Freifield expresses the significance of such productions for the local industry and international recognition of Israeli culture
31
Cultural Industries Theory - Hesmondhalgh
- Major cultural organisations create products for commercial success
- IT companies like Apple, compete with traditional media conglomerates
- Apple TV+ responds to the demand for online streaming, becoming a significant player in the cultural sector
32
Impact of Global distribution on success
- Hesmondhalgh's theory prompts consideration of Tehran's success with global distribution via Apple TV+
- Apple TV+ played a crucial role in Tehran's exposure, success, and funding for a second series
33
Target audience and global appeal
-Tehran targets a broad audience by capitalising on the global popularity of the spy thriller genre
- The inclusion of a female protagonist enhances diversity and reflects the evolving nature of the genre
- Apple TV+'s involvement ensures global accessibility, making Tehran a potentially safe investment
34
Themes and global appeal
- Tehran's contemporary themes, related to Iran's political unrest and women's rights, make it appealing to a global audience
- Despite being created before current events, the show's relevance to ongoing issues enhances its appeal
35
Technological advances and audience needs
- Technological advances allow audiences to access new and diverse content, meeting the needs of both mass and specialised audiences
- Tehran's unique elements, including social and political context, cater to audience preferences and offer niche content
36
Audience interpretations and social factors
- Tehran's political narrative invites various audience interpretations influenced by ideological beliefs and political stances
- Factors such as age, gender, and religious beliefs can shape how individuals interpret the show, aligning with Hall's reception theory
37
Hall's reception theory - Dominant/intended meaning
- Tehran positions Iran as dangerous and oppressive, creating a clear binary opposition of good and bad
- Audience demographics and psychographics impact how viewers consume the intended meanings, potentially leading to negotiated or oppositional readings
