Tehran Class

Question 1

Tehran Product Context

Answer 1

• Israeli spy drama thriller series created for the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC)
• Tehran was released internationally on Apple TV+, becoming the first non-English series on the platform
• Majority of the dialogue is in Hebrew and Persian, with English subtitles available

Question 2

Behind the scenes

Answer 2

• Directed by Daniel Syrkin, created and written by Moshe Zander, also know for his work on Fauda
• Niv Sutlan underwent Persian Language lessons and Krav Maga training for her role
• Tehran premiered in Israel and gained global attention, similar to Fauda on Netflix

Question 3

Tehran plot summary

Answer 3

• Tehran follows Tamar Rabinyan, a hacker agent for Mossad, on an undercover mission to disable an Iranian nuclear reactor
• The series explores the tension between Iran and Israel regarding Iran
• Season 1 depicts Rabinyan mission in Iran, her birthplace

Question 4

Recognition and renewal

Answer 4

• Tehran won and Emmy for best drama series, the first Israeli series to achieve this
• Apple TV+ renewed Tehran for a second series, released in May 2022

Question 5

Spy thriller genre

Answer 5

• Spy thrillers focus on fictional espionage, often featuring solo undercover agents
• Popular for providing escapism with exotic locations, fast-paced action, and a clear protagonist
• Tehran adheres to genre conventions, with a narrative set in the context of the Iran-Israel proxy conflict

Question 6

Genre evolution

Answer 6

• Spy thriller TV genres have evolved from theatres to TV screens over the past two decades
• Tehran shares similarities in structure, fast-paced narrative, and real-life context
• Tehran reflects current tensions between Iran and Israel, making it culturally relevant

Question 7

Breaking gender norms

Answer 7

• Tehran features a female protagonist, Tamar, breaking the traditional male spy character stereotype
• Reflects audience demands for more dynamic and original characters
• Similar to Killing Eve, Tehran places a woman at the centre of the narrative

Question 8

Media Language - Visual Codes

Answer 8

• Dress codes play a crucial role in establishing character identity and ideological stance in Tehran
• The use of dress codes helps anchor the cultural context of the show for the audience

Question 9

Media Language - Technical codes

Answer 9

• Handheld camera use at the beginning of episode 1 creates an immediate sense of action and tension

Question 10

Media Language - Audio codes

Answer 10

• Tehran uses a mixture of languages, including Persian, Hebrew, and English
• Mark Eliyahu’s enigmatic score, incorporating Iranian instruments, contributes to the show’s identity

Question 11

Theoretical approach - Todorov

Answer 11

• Tehran’s first episode throws the audience into the critical stage of the mission without a traditional build-up
• Immediate immersion in the action chosen over a more traditional narrative structure

Question 12

Theoretical approach - Neale

Answer 12

• Neale’s theory of repetition and difference applies to Tehran, balancing traditional spy thriller conventions with a unique spin
• Tehran establishes itself as a contemporary example of a spy thriller drama series

Question 13

Theoretical approach - Levi Strauss

Answer 13

• Tehran is set within the factual context of a political conflict between Israel and Iran
• The media language reinforces a binary opposite between Iranians as the enemy and Tamar (Israelis) as the protagonist

Question 14

Social and cultural context

Answer 14

• Viewer understanding of Iran-Israel is crucial for a comprehensive interpretation of Tehran
• Independent research is recommended to grasp historical context, influencing the representation of events, individuals, and social groups

Question 15

Selection and combination in representation

Answer 15

• Tamar’s journey in Tehran showcases diverse aspects of Iranian culture
• Scenes of contemporary lifestyle and public execution are juxtaposed, prompting reflection on the producer’s political positioning

Question 16

Versions of reality through Re-presentation

Answer 16

• The show begins with a disclaimer of fictional content, but research reveals parallels with real events, particularly Israel’s opposition to Iran’s nuclear program
• The blurring of lines between fiction and reality emphasises the importance of understanding the political context

Question 17

Producer’s choices in Representation

Answer 17

• Influences the portrayal of Iranian culture
• Consideration of the historical and political context of Israeli-Iran tensions is essential to understanding representations in Iran

Question 18

Underrepresentation and Misrepresentation

Answer 18

• Tehran represents a shift in diversity on streaming platforms
• Variety Magazine notes the show’s reflection of the present-day American stance towards Iran, emphasising the need for thorough research into representations

Question 19

Claims about realism in representation

Answer 19

• The inclusion of the public execution scene in Tehran could be seen as damaging, but reports confirm similar events in Iran
• The series portrays real-life issues amidst political tensions

Question 20

Historical context in representation

Answer 20

• The history of the hijab in Iran, compulsory since the 1979 Islamic revolution, is significant in contextualising ideologies and beliefs - Different dress codes reflect cultural values, and recent events, such as burning hijabs as a symbol of rebellion, are relevant

Question 21

Feminist theories - bell hooks

Answer 21

• Tamar challenges and conforms to aspects of the theory
• While empowering as a strong female character, violence towards women in the narrative reflects the cultural context

Question 22

Feminist theories - Van Zoonen

Answer 22

• Reinforcing gender roles
• Tamar, though portraying alternative representations, sometimes conforms to stereotypical feminine characteristics for disguise

Question 23

UN Commission on the Status of Women

Answer 23

• Removed Iran due to oppressive actions against women, including the death of Mahsa Amini
• The UK’s statement emphasises the inconsistency of Iran’s actions with the commission’s objective

Question 24

Production teams and organisations

Answer 24

• The production team includes Israeli industry veterans: Maor Kohn, Omri Shenhar, and Daniel Syrkin
• Donna Shula Productions and Paper Plane Productions co-produced Tehran
• Paper Entertainment, created by Julien Leroux, and Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund also involved

Question 25

Distribution and International Collaboration

Answer 25

- Cineflix Rights handled international distribution for Tehran - Apple TV+ struck a co-production deal with Cineflix Media to launch the show on their streaming service - Tehran in an internationally-produced venture with collaboration from multiple organisations and professionals

Question 26

Production scale and funding

Answer 26

- Tehran demonstrates high production values and an ambitious scale - Unconfirmed reports suggest Apple TV+ paid 1 million dollars per episode - Casting process contributed to the show's success

Question 27

Filming location and political constraints

Answer 27

- Tehran's production took place in Athens, Greece, due to political tensions preventing filming in Tehran - Athens was chosen for its architecutral similarities, avoiding the need for studio sets or facades

Question 28

Technological change and streaming networks

Answer 28

- TV streaming networks, especially Apple TV+, played a key role in Tehran's global success, linked to streaming platforms and a broader audience

Question 29

Multi-territory environment and digital technology

Answer 29

- Advances in digital technology contribute to the fast growth in global drama demand - Production companies , like paper plane, collaborate to create content in a multi-territory environment - Paper Plane entered a deal with Apple TV+ in 2020 for co-producing international dramas

Question 30

Audience Maintenance and Marketing

Answer 30

- Tehran's success contributes to launching Israeli productions globally - Apple TV+ and Kan's collaboration aims to establish Israeli content on a global scale - Tal Freifield expresses the significance of such productions for the local industry and international recognition of Israeli culture

Question 31

Cultural Industries Theory - Hesmondhalgh

Answer 31

- Major cultural organisations create products for commercial success - IT companies like Apple, compete with traditional media conglomerates - Apple TV+ responds to the demand for online streaming, becoming a significant player in the cultural sector

Question 32

Impact of Global distribution on success

Answer 32

- Hesmondhalgh's theory prompts consideration of Tehran's success with global distribution via Apple TV+ - Apple TV+ played a crucial role in Tehran's exposure, success, and funding for a second series

Question 33

Target audience and global appeal

Answer 33

-Tehran targets a broad audience by capitalising on the global popularity of the spy thriller genre - The inclusion of a female protagonist enhances diversity and reflects the evolving nature of the genre - Apple TV+'s involvement ensures global accessibility, making Tehran a potentially safe investment

Question 34

Themes and global appeal

Answer 34

- Tehran's contemporary themes, related to Iran's political unrest and women's rights, make it appealing to a global audience - Despite being created before current events, the show's relevance to ongoing issues enhances its appeal

Question 35

Technological advances and audience needs

Answer 35

- Technological advances allow audiences to access new and diverse content, meeting the needs of both mass and specialised audiences - Tehran's unique elements, including social and political context, cater to audience preferences and offer niche content

Question 36

Audience interpretations and social factors

Answer 36

- Tehran's political narrative invites various audience interpretations influenced by ideological beliefs and political stances - Factors such as age, gender, and religious beliefs can shape how individuals interpret the show, aligning with Hall's reception theory

Question 37

Hall's reception theory - Dominant/intended meaning

Answer 37

- Tehran positions Iran as dangerous and oppressive, creating a clear binary opposition of good and bad - Audience demographics and psychographics impact how viewers consume the intended meanings, potentially leading to negotiated or oppositional readings