Homes under the hammer
AO1 – Analysis of a Television show
Format and content
The factual TV show created by Melanie Eriksen is about properties brought at an auction requiring a lot of refurbishment. Each show lasts one hour and follows three properties from the UK (or two properties if it is a 30 minute show)
A wide variety of properties are shown throughout the show such as terraced, commercial, rural, and vacant land.
The two main producers of this show are Martin and Lucy they are introduced at the beginning of each show using captions stating their names
the show often starts with good mise-en-scene, a panning downwards shot is used at the very beginning starting at the sky then pointing at both producers, (a good example of this is on the 71st episode of the 14th series.
The programme follows a set template. One of the presenters will view a property prior to going up for auction to start the show, giving their opinion on it and its potential problems as well as attractive features. A local estate agent will also be invited to give their opinion on the property. The auction will then be shown and the final sale price revealed.
The most popular camera angle or shot in this show is the tracking shot. A lot of tracking shots are used throughout the tv show following the main presenters or simply just setting the scene. Voice overs of usually Martins voice are used also throughout the show to inform the audience what is happening almost narrating.
After a property is sold we are introduced to the buyers of the property, the presenter presenting the episode will interview the buyers asking them the same questions which is what they are going to do with the property (sell, inhabit or rent) what damage needs repairing, their budget and also time limit.
The first part of the show has now been played usually lasting anything between 10 and 15 minutes long, a “homes under the hammer” graphic is used to cut the camera and take us to the next property where the first sequence is repeated in a different location followed by the third.
In the second part of the show we see the properties later on after the buyers have finished all the work on them, we see the houses finished in the same sequence as the first part of the show (starting with house 1 ending in house 3) showing all work that has been done to the house and before and after shots like these
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The property is then valued again and the total profit is calculated if the owner does decide to sell it or not.
Conventions
Homes under the hammer have two main presenters, Lucy Alexander and Martin Roberts. The full cast includes Series Directors, Series Writers, Producers, Production Management, Art Department, Sound Department, Camera and Electrical Department, Series Editorial Department, Music Department and production team members.
A lot of tracking shots are used also panning shots to create mise-en-scene throughout the different locations and properties and little handheld camera work, occurring only when necessary. Most of the camera angles being mid shots and not many close ups unless the camera is trying to show something.
The editing process includes the opening sequence to start the program, which is used in all episodes and all clips must be put onto a timeline using the best footage only. The editors have to organise all of the footage and edit it to play in a chronological order smoothly.
Target audience
The Homes Under The Hammer T.V. Show targets a daytime/morning television audience generally older people. Also people who are interested in house designing, repairing, auctions and day time tv
