The Returned C2 Flashcards
Who was the series produced by?
The series was produced by Haut Et Court with Canal+
When and where was it aired?
- Canal+ on 26th November 2012 (France)
- Channel 4 on 9th June 2013 (UK)
- SundanceTV (USA)
What is Channel 4?
Channel 4 is a commercially funded but non-profit channel that has a PSB remit to produce informative, educational, diverse, alternative, TV with new talent - which explains why they bought the rights to a foreign drama
What is Canal+?
Canal+ is a French premium television channel launched in 1984. It is owned by the Canal+ Group, which in turn is owned by Vivendi. Although Vivendi is a conglomerate it has niche programming which means it has to get funding. Vivendi is both horizontally and Vertically integrated.
How was the series funded?
The funding for the series came partly from Vivendi as well as two small French charities which fund films and dramas that show regional France which meant it had to be shot rurally and show French culture.
What is SundanceTV?
SundanceTV is an American pay television channel owned by AMC networks which focused on alternative and independent films and programming
What affected the distribution?
Channel 4’s website and All4 allow online streaming globally but the series was only available for a short time reflecting its nche nature. It was also later adapted for an American audience in 2015. The subtitled format makes it difficult to distribute it globally.
Who was the show created by?
Fabrice Gobert
What was the series based on?
The 2004 French film They Came Back (Les Revenants), directed by Robin Campillo.
How was the series marketed?
- Through the Mogwai soundtrack being released alongside the series.
- The official website allowed a 360-degree tour of the town
- multiple posters such as Camille, Victor and Adele who appeal to different audiences
- The UK trailer also has no dialogue which would not put off an audience who don’t like subtitles
- Online Channel4 promoted its foreignness by telling the audience there would be a French introduction and adverts
- Social media such as Twitter and Facebook
- Merchandise made eg) T-shirts and a book of the series
- Promoted it had won the Peabody award
How was synergy used?
Through the Scottish post-rock band Mogwai’s soundtrack being released alongside the series which would attract a similar niche audience.
What did the writers and directors intend the show to be an allegory for?
The refugee system in France
Who regulates British TV?
OFCOM regulates British TV and has to ensure that the series meets Channel 4’s remit.
How might regulation differ between countries?
Countries like France have slightly different laws so the sex scene between Lena and Fredric would seem less taboo in France. However, this makes it more difficult to distribute it globally.
What social/cultural context has influenced the series?
- Reflects rising popularity of foreign language dramas being exported such as The Killing
- Reflects rising issues of refugees held in camps in France whilst being presented as dangerous by the media
- Reflects the current divided society with fears one side will ‘overthrow’ the other eg) refugees or terrorists
- Typical modern family issues presented eg) divorce, bereavement
- Gender presented stereotypically but this may be due to the rural setting
- Religious climate present - France predominately Christian