The bridge

Question 1

what genre is the bridge

Answer 1

Nordic noir

set in Sweden with a focus on the collaboration between Denmark and Sweden connected by the Oresund bridge

Question 2

Where was the bridge released

Answer 2

BBC 4

A channel that promotes international talent and is full of niche products

Question 3

How was the bridge produced

Answer 3

Co production between Sweden and Denmark

Originally released on SVT and DR1, released post watershed

Question 4

How was the bridge funded

Answer 4

Initially funded by the tax payers in Sweden and Denmark of whom pay a tv license
They then however applied for a grant with Europe talent as the show got bigger

Question 5

SAGA

Answer 5

lead protagonist 
single woman with asperges 
dedicated to her job 
lacks empathy
resilient 
passive expression enigmas 
at times is seen as vulnerable and afraid 
USP of the show 
Contradicts feminine stereotypes

Question 6

HANNE

Answer 6

Strong female character 
positive representation of older women
well respected 
NOT sexualised nor objectified 
Hanne is quite traditional
binary opposition to SAGA

Question 7

what is the purpose of the episode

Answer 7

To create enigmas and draw audience members in to watch episode 2

Question 8

Henrik and Morton

Answer 8

Representations of the modern man

• both show emotional vulnerability
• however both also show masculine traits (strength, aggression, position of power)

Question 9

How was the Bridge marketed

Answer 9

Reliance upon the fans
- viral/buzz marketing
- shirky end of audience theory (interactive audiences
Jenkins fandom - audiences distribute and play a large role in media production

Question 10

Audience positioning in the bridge

Answer 10

highlights the topics of different social groups, reflecting cultural shifts.
restricted narrative
heavy use of enigmas
narratology todorov- use of equilibriums

Question 11

Feminism/gender roles

Answer 11

LARGELY CHALLENGES stereotypes
- Women in positions of power
- we see men in vulnerable states
- woman aren’t sexualised or marginalised
the construction of representations in the bridge reflects the changing roles of men and woman in our society

Question 12

van zoonen - feminists theory

Answer 12

contradicts as women are not seen to be featured merely for their beauty/ male gaze
specifically applicable when saga takes her top off in the office

Question 13

Distribution of the bridge

Answer 13

• ZDF enterprise

distributed to over 150 countries worldwide

Question 14

how does the bridge target audiences

Answer 14

• released on BBC4 : niche, less mainstream audience
• Nordic noir - attracting pre-existing fans of the genre
• crime drama genre : typical codes and conventions of this genre
• loyal audiences