Top Boy - Business Time - Media Research & Planning

Mise-en-scene

We are introduced to two characters one is a young black male the other is a older mature white male. They both enter a club and discuss 'business' matters. We're able to identify that the white male is seems more superior compared to the black male sitting opposite him. One way in which we are able to identify that the white male is more superior compared to the young black male is by the clothing they are both wearing. The white male is dressed 'slightly' more classy compared to the black male, who is wearing jeans and a varsity jacket. When talking too each other the main character (the young black male) seems more eager in order to get his view and opinions across to the other character. Whereas, the white male doesn't seem to pay much interest however, slightly does at times. The body language of both characters paints a picture to the viewers as they are able to identify who is in more power compared to the other. The young black male seems more tense in what he's saying whereas, the white male seems more relaxed. We can identify this in the way both characters are sitting down. Furthermore, the placement of both characters are different. We see the white male sitting in the middle and the other character to the side of him, suggesting the power relations between both characters. Throughout the clip there is a use of natural club lighting and low key lighting. The lighting gives us a sense that their is tension between both characters. For instance, if the black male was to say something that is the white male may not agree with it could turn into a completely different scene. Furthermore, this creates a great deal of tension in the atmosphere and gets across to the viewers especially. The props used in this clip are money. We witness the young black male giving the white older male a large amount of money. Therefore, the audience can identify again who has more power in this clip. Due to the fact that the young black male is dressed very casual and 'street' like. Viewers may believe the money that is passed on to the white male is money earned by carrying out unlawful actions. This reinforces the negative stereotype of young black males in the media.

Sound 

During this clip from Top Boy we are introduced to diegetic sound that comes within the world of the clip. The sound is of club music playing in the background. The background music is parallel to what we as viewers will normally associate in a club environment .We are shown throughout the clip dialogue of both characters talking about their 'business matters'. From the dialogue we hear the white male say to the other character "You've got two minutes" the we hear the black male reply back "Why do we have to make it so hard for the customers". It seems as if the white male is asking the black male to sell him self and his views on 'summer house' (the place where this is set). The term customers is used in business matters however, this opens us a new world for some viewers. Some viewers may believe that the drugs market isn't nothing but a 'messy' business. However, in this case it shows the suppliers of the drugs seem on extremely organized how they sell their drugs and ensure that they continuously have a sustainable profit. Furthermore, later on in the clip the black male talks about how he wants a good life from selling drugs. This reinforces the negative stereotype from the media of black males. In addition, when saying this the character doesn't look too happy in saying that he needs to do this job in order to receive an income. Therefore, it comes across as if this is the only path he is able to take in order to be successful. It seems as this is his only option, he has no other career path to fall back on to or lead but his strong point is delivering drugs to suppliers.

Camerawork

During the clip we are shown many shots which are over the shoulder. Over the shoulder shots are mainly used in conversation between two characters during a scene. During the conversation the over the shoulder shot is placed at an angle for each character. For the young black male character it's placed slightly higher so we're viewing the white male at a higher angle. When the conversation cuts to the black male talking we witness that the camera is angled slightly lower. Therefore, the low angle over the shoulder shot suggest the black male has sell power compared to the white male as when we are witnessing the white male talk we are viewing him at a slightly higher angle. It's as if we're looking up to him when we cut to the over the shoulder shot of the other character. In addition, we see the 180 degree rule come into use during the over the shoulder shots. For each over the shoulder shot it stays on the left of both characters and the rule isn't broken.

Editing

During the clip there is prominently straight cuts through out the clip. Straight cuts are the most common type of editing that is used in all TV dramas and films. The pace of the editing is smooth as they are discussing 'business' matters with each other.  The smooth pace of the clip suggest that they are both straight to the point on what they are discussing. In addition, the use of quick smooth straight cuts give the viewers the impression that they are both not hesitant to get their views across in what they are discussing.