Cool Material: Slow TV is a wildly successful phenomenon in its home country of Norway and it’s something we can totally see exploding in popularity here in the states. Essentially, Norwegian television crews strap cameras to various forms of transportation or insert them into activities and record hours-long programs. There’s no plot, cast, or season premieres and finales. Yet millions of people tune in to watch.
4 comments:
This is a pretty interesting social experiment I think. This is the exact opposite of what TV has been traditionally meant for. Most of the time, we tune in to be entertained by action or drama, and removing this aspect from television seems almost ludicrous. Recently I found a guy on you tube who makes ten to fifteen minute long videos of him talking about whatever is on his mind while smoking a pipe, and usually the amount he actually says could fill about thirty seconds worth of footage. He does not rush or talk quickly. He just takes his time and gets his point across. It is kind of weird to watch because it is just enthralling and really does make you entranced in what he is saying. For the same reason, I can see why slow TV would be interesting. It is nice to just sit and watch something slowly develop without any real investment in the issue.
My favorite slow tv is the series that has about four types of fireplace fires with different woods. They are really amazing at making the environment of the room so much more peaceful. I wouldn’t say many people- if any actually sit down and do nothing but watch the entire program, though I have just sat and watched a real fire for hours on end. But in general, these are things you would just put on in the background. I know sometimes I want a background noise, but don’t necessary want music that could be distracting or a tv show which is definitely distracting, these slow TV programs are perfect to fill the quiet- or block out the noise of other people- are perfect. It is really interesting that the Norwegian firewood shows start with the chopping and stacking before getting to the making of the actual fire. It definitely adds a twist that would keep you more intrigued than just the fire going in the fireplace.
SlowTV offers an interesting contrast to what traditional television is meant to be. I watch TV to escape from my own mind and immerse myself into a dramatic/action packed/ funny other life. On the other hand, I think that SlowTV has something of a meditation effect where it can cause oneself to relax and think about their inner thoughts. I also think some people watch this with the same infatuation that others watch ASMR videos. Its very relaxing to just watch one thing happen over and over again with no surprises. I find SlowTV would be helpful in a very fast paced world where time equals money as it can force people to slow down. I also think its hilarious how, something I perceive as relaxing, could spark such angry responses and controversy with the wood stacking. It seems like a very small detail to get upset over but I guess if its someone’s livelihood, they would be passionate about it.
In a world where TV has become full of quick plots and action meant to distract and waste time, I love that juxtaposition to this peaceful, serene, almost meditative channel. I often will flip around TV not knowing what to watch but just wanting to WATCH something, and this gives and incredibly calming alternative. I especially love that it isn't just scenic train rides and soothing fireplaces like you would expect, too. The addition of things like salmon fishing makes this less of a 'Yule Log' channel and more of something you may watch to relax or decompress, and not just an atmospheric or accent program to show on your TV while having a party or doing other things. I sort of want to try watching this now, just to see what other kinds of programs they may have and how they may differ from the ones being shown in the article.
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