I cannot seem to recall any television show that implements as many point-of-view shots as Channel 4’s Peep Show. Nevertheless, I found it quite easy to become adjusted to the show’s direct address style in the “Wedding” episode that we screened in class. Once acclimated to the unique filming technique, one could argue that the viewer is able to get even more wrapped up in the narrative of the story. We see what the characters see, and can even hear what they say in their minds. This profound connection is also evidenced in Catherine Johnson’s detailing of the “tapping” commercials created by Channel 4.
According to Johnson, “In the campaign, different stars associated with Channel 4 would approach the screen and appear to tap on it from within the television set. These short segments, which ran only a few seconds, were particularly powerful in their direct address to the viewer” (Johnson, 90). These advertising strategies involving direct contact with viewers allowed audiences to connect with the stars. The reaching out that these stars are making in the “tapping” advertisements can be seen on a larger scale in the filming styles of Peep Show.
Channel 4’s “tapping” campaign and Peep Show both manage to break the fourth wall and allow viewers to become a part of their performance. When Mark and Jeremy are talking to one another we feel as if we are a part of the conversation. We even feel their intense stress as they are hiding up in the church balcony in the attempt to avoid the wedding ceremony. This intimateness is similarly sought out when Channel 4 stars tap our television screens in the commercials in order to invoke a further connection. It is no surprise that these techniques are used by the provacative and edgy Channel 4. Although they are unconventional, they still succeed in getting the viewer’s attention and allow them to bond with the broadcaster.
I agree with your point about how intimate the show is. I adjusted to the unique shots rather quickly and once that happened, like you said, I really felt I was able to jump into these characters lives without ever having been introduced to them before, which is not easy to do. That combined with the “tapping” technique we read about truly worked and I never thought to relate the show with the marketing strategy. So, even though I had never met either character, by the end of the episode I was able to know how they worked off each other and how they thought. The characters let us in to their lives by allowing access to their mental thoughts, something not all “characters” allow. Jeremy let the viewer understand how much he actually liked Sophie through his thought process, something very private. In this way I felt welcome to watch the show, and Channel 4, and to develop a relationship with the characters. It is a smart move for Peep Show and Channel 4 in general.
I think it is interesting too how Channel 4 uses this tapping technique, and I think it fits in with this mentality of the channel as a whole. To me, BBC seems like a stately father, someone who is a giver in a relationship–higher up than you, and what you receive you take with no if’s, and’s, or but’s. The BBC knows what is good for you, and consequently you watch with no complaints. On the other hand, Channel 4 is a little edgier, sort of like a cool sibling. These “tapping” shots and the point of view of “Peepshow” allow this connection between you and the channel. At the same time, Channel 4 is so different and innovative in this manner, you have to respect it for being as “cool” as it is, just as BBC commands respect for being so cultural. I think this is compounded by the fact that in “Peepshow” and “Big Fat Gypsy Wedding” and some of the fixed camera documentaries we are seeing average (to some extent) everyday people’s lives–it is more observational than any type of television I have seen, and consequently I expect most people form this different relationship with Channel 4 than any other network on British TV.