Documentary Series - Reflecting on Seven Days. Was it a flop?

As Steven Lambert moved forward to create what was considered to be a successful documentary, he faced challenges. These challenges were the most important part of a series success, the audience.

The guardian published a piece with an interview from Lambert. Lambert defended his ideas, and placed blame on Channel 4 for poor marketing. Admittedlty Lambert comments that he didnt realize the "strong" dislike that the national audience felt for the "Notting Hill Community". He suggested that the area was diverse and media-friendly and was therefore an appropriate and interesting location to develop his docusoap.

Lambert's "marketing" defense, in my opinion, seems somewhat weak. There were, undoubtabley, flaws in the charactar choices and "face time". When targeting a large demographic, the focus can not be dependent on two yong models and a "playboy". Although Seven Days was pushed back to the 11pm, Tuesday slot and Lambert suggests that the audience just weren't exposed to the programme enough. After 4 epidsodes the show was still not capturing an audience - this shows that there were surely key media and audience concepts missing. The initial viewing figures started at 1.7 million, however they plunged greatly by the fourth episode.

In Lamberts defense, critics have noted that the interactivity of the show developed an entirely new audience and therefore the online viewing figures and popularity could have, potencially, saved the show.

Looking back on my charactar, Sam, it must be said that she became one of the most popular charactars of the show. This was probably because of her candid nature. She openly discussed her private life, and openly questioned people who critised the reality of the show (the cafe scene). Sam will, undoubtabley, become something or sustain media attention because of the show. Although she was not the most deep character, she definately did create a name for herself from the show.

In conclusion, I believe it must be noted that the audience was confused about the point of the show. I don't believe the "marketing was poor", I believe that the concept was too big for the audience. The show had no general theme, and the charactars became predictable. "Seven Days" was a flop. Poor audience figures suggests a confused series with no identity or direction.