Comparative Paper Play School and Hi-5 Essay

Despite all the modern excitements that Network 9’s Hi-5 presents, the traditional and ABC’s Play School offers more for early learners. These two children shows are compared in the features of form, purpose, audience and social context. Hi-5 is contemporary and fast paced reflecting the modern culture whereas Play School maintains a sense of simplicity and the traditional elements which still fulfil the 21st century child. The importance of Hi-5 is to entertain whereas Play School educates effectively. The purpose of the opening credits is to draw out the wanted moods of the audience. Apparently, each calming episode of Play School begins with its symbolic, cheerful tune introducing the familiar characters. The opening animation is set in softer tones which attract an open gender audience with characters inviting them to, â€Å"come inside.† This sets up a comforting atmosphere where the children feel valued and safe, allowing learning to take place. Through the opening credits, Play School displays traditional, simple values which emphasize and develop their main purpose of education. Hi-5 is very much concerned with image, consumerism and technology, and as seen in the opening credits, it immediately reinforces the main purpose of entertainment. The vibrant colours which are almost glowing and the coloured patterns, female titled the audience into a state of joy, somewhat reproducing the scene at a disco. The opening credits heavily feature their Hi-5 logo, which in turn is a devious form of product placement. Overall, both shows’ opening credits are shown in a uniquely way. Play School is presented in a calm and a peaceful playful way, whereas, Hi-5 is shown in an upbeat and over exaggerated enjoyable, fun way. Whereas Hi-5’s priority is to create excitement and sell the product through setting and music, Play School’s aim is to provide education in an enjoyable way and helping the children’s intell igence and development. Play School is filmed in a studio resembling a house, in a safe, comfortable and calming surrounding encouraging learning. The realistic setting is provided with familiar, recognizable features such as house lights and colourful curtains. Many aspects of learning are taught through well-known songs sung in the traditional, common style to the simple supplement of a piano. The natural lighting adds to this sense of reality, and a controlled colour frame creates a calm, familiar mood for the audience. Hi-5 too, is shot in a studio, however, it is filmed with the presence of a live audience emphasising a concert setting, reinforcing its main purpose of entertainment. The vibrant lights blink like a performance, and the setting is spare with no familiar objects. This reflects modern popular culture, celebrity obsession and playful fun. Yet, while unfamiliar, Hi-5 is still very exciting, inspiring the children’s imagination forcing them to use their imagination. This creates a happy atmosphere emphasising an exciting and energetic mood reinforcing the main purpose of entertainment. Therefore, both television shows have different and similar ways to engage the audience and their emotions. The structure of these two shows is controlled by the film techniques and technology. Hi-5 relies on flashing disco, coloured effects and cameras, whereas, Play School relies on a more naive approach. The constant, linear panning and minimal editing present in Play School reinforces the slow, calming mood. The viewer’s point of view is enhanced through the use of camera angles and a balanced full range of shots. This reinforces closeness and a connection between viewer and presenter. The minimal use of technology in Play School is non-threatening; everyday objects are used to make craft which breaks down social barriers and encourages imagination. The toys used are familiar and old-fashioned, encouraging a sense of tradition. Hi-5 however uses modern filming techniques with multiple cameras and fast, complex editing. The camera angles and differing points of view are unusual adding to the excitement and overexcited emotions. Combined into Hi-5 is animation, using props and graphics which appeal to a slightly older audience who live in a technological world. The props used, increase the party image preventing children from using their imagination. The main purpose is to entertain, whereas the purpose of Play School is to educate. So therefore, the features used in both programmes differ in order to meet the intended purposes. Through the use of soothing and calm tones, Play School enables their viewers to feel safe, while engaging them in learning. Through repetition, questions, instructions, alliteration and rhyme, the presenters repeat that learning is easy and fun. The combination of languages like in the simple song, â€Å"Bravo Bravisimo,† and the inclusion of sign language, Play School highlights social acceptance and multiculturalism creating a stronger bond between the viewer and th e presenters, reinforcing the purpose of education. The light, good humour is also combined to fulfil their secondary purpose of entertainment. Hi-5 uses the sophisticated and complex humour of jokes and parodies. Through giggling for instance, an exaggerated and happy tone is created as the presenters attempt to reflect a child’s intelligence. This is further reinforced through the regular use of everyday language creating an overly friendly environment, whereas, the exaggerated body language reinforces entertainment and excitement. Through developing forms, purposes, audiences and social context Hi-5 and Play School contrast hugely. It is clear that the purpose of Play School is to educate whereas entertainment is the main purpose of Hi-5. Through aiming the intended emotions at their audience, both these programs achieve their intended purpose and social context.