Today we are going to go through a few early preliminary tasks as well as all of your Foundation Portfolio final edits to celebrate progress throughout the year.
As well as that, there is a questionnaire that will provide you with a forum to suggest changes to the course.
Hi guys,
This is a CRIME DRAMA, "Breaking Bad". Write an introduction outlining your main points and arguments for a representation essay on this clip.
QUESTION
"Explain how the meaning is created using the four technical areas, in the following clip."
"What Impact has digital technology had on the media area you have studied?"
https://guilsboroughschoolmedia.wordpress.com/2019/06/27/jenkins-fandom-theory/
Have a look at this link then write down some ways in which this is relevant to your Hollywood Blockbuster
Looking at NZ within the world context;
Make a slide show and upload it to your blog that encapsulates the major developments in the history of film in NZ.
Use the clip below for a perspective of an actual NZ filmmaker.
https://www.goldenglobes.com/articles/brief-history-new-zealand-cinema
https://taodigitalmarketing.com/why-the-avengers-end-game-marketing-is-genius/
https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/avengers-endgame-watershed-moment-cinema/1583251
CROSS MEDIA CONVERGENCE AND SYNERGY TERMINOLOGY
Activity#1
Research the definition of the following terminology and get examples from the case study above (Avengers Endgame) for each one;
- 360' Marketing / immersive marketing
- viral marketing
- hype/ buzz
- global marketing
Also look up the following;
- Box office for this film, how it was released and how well it did.
Activity #2
Write a paragraph in response to the question below, using all the terminology and case study research above...
"How far does cross-media convergence and synergy affect the success of a film?"
Write down some examples to do with Disney in both horiztontal and vertical integration.
Activity
Use all your ownership terminology to write an introduction to this question, including definition and examples of horizontal and vertical integration;
"To what extent does media ownership impact the success of a film?"
Have a watch of this and recap on who owns the media as well as Disney's place on the media ownership landscape.
Watch until 9.30mins
What we know about David Gauntless so far;
“Identity is complicated; everyone's got one.” Gauntlett believes that while everyone is an individual, people tend to exist within larger groups who are similar to them. He thinks the media do not create identities, but just reflect them instead
Let's look at this article and clip from David Gauntlett himself
Consider the question
Why is it hard for us to ask the question 'how does this media text construct identity'?
What are some key notions of identity that we should take into consideration?
Use one of the clips from this week's homework assignment and write a paragraph that uses both Stuart Hall, Blumler and Katz (Uses _+ Gratifications theory) and Gauntlett's theory correctly.
In groups, do some research and come up with answers to the following research questions;
1. Who is currently striking in Hollywood right now?
2. What are the core issues that they want resolved?
3. How would this tie into an ownership essay? Think about this example of current events in relation to how Hollywood is structured and how technology is contributing to changing economic models. Write a couple of sentences that explain this example in relation to both a technology question and an ownership question.
Hi guys,
Take a look at this video clip outlining some of the facts around media ownership.
Write some detailed notes on WHO OWNS THE MEDIA (write down stats, facts and figures to use in your essay).
Write some good points on why the media being controlled by so few companies, is a bad thing.
CONTEXTS + CRITICAL DEBATES
- feminism
- BLM (interracial tensions)
- Cancel Culture
- Globalisation
- Freedom of Speech
- Censorship
- personal experiences / opinion
- comparison / contrast
- Covid 19 / lockdowns impact on the film industry
- technological developments issues - e.g. AI / Piracy
Have a watch of these 2 videos and make notes. Be careful to get stats/ quotes and case study examples that you can use in essays.
You can use the concept of a global audience impacting representation / impacting Hollywood in the following essays;
- Audiences (in relation to how audiences are not just local, consuming local media but Global and the issues that arise with this)
- ownership (in relation to how Hollywood are powerful but with money being their bottom line, they compromise on Western values to gain Chinese audience support)
- technology (in relation to how proliferation has shifted audiences from local to global and some of the issues that arise with that)
Pick a past exam question to answer for homework, set a timer for 45 mins and write an essay using all your research and case study material, a quote and a theory;
1. Analyse how media institutions are using different platforms to engage with their audiences.
2. Explain how audiences are targeted, built and maintained by media organisations.
3. In relation to the media area you have studied, discuss the ways audience consumption has changed over time.
Let's look at NZ examples and statistics again of where our local audiences are watching / consujming content;
https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/news/generational-divide-widens-latest-nz-air-audience-survey/
Another local audiences research piece\
https://socialmedia.org.nz/digital-video-now-leads-the-way-in-new-zealand/
And a third link for research;
Decline in TV ratings
Long 'Where are the audiences' study we will look at in class
https://www.wiftnz.org.nz/media/uvqfuksv/where_are_the_audiences_2021_full_report.pdf
Make some notes in relation to Avatar on;
- why this film resonated with audiences
- what technology worked well for this film
https://collider.com/james-cameron-avatar-movies-audience/
Have a read through of this article on the marketing strategy for Avatar;
- how did they create hype around the film's release?
- how did they connect with audiences using cross-media-convergence / synergy?
Make some notes in relation to Avatar on;
- why this film resonated with audiences
- what technology worked well for this film
https://collider.com/james-cameron-avatar-movies-audience/
Have a read through of this article on the marketing strategy for Avatar;
- how did they create hype around the film's release?
- how did they connect with audiences using cross-media-convergence / synergy?
- thinking about Media Ecology and the use of development of technology to connect with audiences where they're at (social media etc), write some notes on how James Cameron and the marketing team were successful in connecting an audience with their product
https://cinematicslant.com/2022/12/16/avatar-the-way-of-water-marketing-recap/
Watch the first Barbie video, a few minutes of the second Barbie video, the Oppenheimer video and the Avatar video.
Answer these questions;
- Name of film and year it was released
- director of each film
- did the directors choose digital or film to shoot these?
- what SFX / CGI was used in these films?
- what practical effects were used in the making of these films
- a quote or interesting fact about the making of these films
- how well have each of these films done in Box Office earnings?
- what have rotten tomatoes reviews been for these?
Contrast these films successes with Antman vs. Wasp and make some notes on the contrast between them.
Hi class,
Task 1
Check out this clip from Downton Abbey.
I want you to watch it through from 1.36 mins to the end (please note, this will be longer than the average clip you'll get in an exam but for the purposes of practise, it's a great clip).
Task 2:
Create a blog post with the title, "Downton Abbey Representation Practise" with your notes
Questions;
1. Who (out of the 7 core representation areas of society) are being represented in this clip?
(you can choose more than 1 category if you feel it's relevant)
2. How are they represented to us? (what messages are we told about these groups? What are they like? What are their lives like? What are we encouraged / pursuaded to think about them?)
3. Split a planning page up into 4 squares and include your 4 technical elements. Go through the clip from 1.36 and collect EVIDENCE (or examples) of where each technical area created meaning. Use correct terminology AND details of the example you're referring to (you can't just say 'there's lots of close-up's") You will need to watch the clip through 3 - 4 times, like you would in an exam, to get the notes you need.
Task 2:
Watch this video as it goes through each technical element and how you should be taking notes for your essay;
Have a look at this article and add the term 'ancillary rights' to your glossary and essay plan for ownership / CMC + Synergy
Hi guys!
You're going to watch this clip of a very straightforward theory by David Gauntlett.
This theory is simple and a great one to use in your REPRESENTATION essay or in a an essay about ownership, thinking about the older structures of corporations who would have clearer pathways of power to creating representations of different groups in society. The thinking about old media VS. new media, a media where now, many people can represent themselves, is an interesting one to think about and a great one to mention in your essays!
Article to reference more aspects of this theory
Task:
Use the last clip from the 'Maid' TV series as your representation clip. Rewrite an introduction for this as though you were preparing to write a full essay and include both this theory as well as Stuart Hall's reception theory.
1. Have a read of this article and make some notes about how technological advancements have impacted film distribution
2. Then read the article below that I pasted into the blog post and make some notes on different types of distribution.
Article 1
https://raindance.org/the-impact-of-digitalization-on-the-film-industry/
Article 2
The entertainment business is a complex and ever-evolving industry, and film distribution is crucial. Distributing a film involves making it available for public consumption, and the chosen strategy can greatly impact a film's success. This article will explore some of the different film distribution models in the entertainment business.
Theatrical distribution is the most traditional model, where films are screened in theaters for a specified period. Studios and production companies work with distributors, who negotiate deals with theater chains to show their films. Box office revenue is split between the theater and the distributor, with percentages varying based on agreements. This model highly depends on marketing, audience interest, and critical reception. However, the rise of digital platforms has significantly impacted the theatrical distribution model, leading to the emergence of other distribution models.
Day-and-date releases are a more recent distribution model in which a film is made available for theatrical and home viewing on the same day. This strategy is often employed for smaller or independent films, allowing them to reach a wider audience who may not have access to a theater or prefer to watch films at home. However, this model can cannibalize theatrical revenues and has faced pushback from theater chains.
With the rapid growth of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, many films are released directly on these services without a theatrical run. This distribution model is called Straight-to-Streaming or Subscription Video-on-Demand (SVOD). These platforms typically provide a flat fee to filmmakers or studios in exchange for exclusive streaming rights. SVOD releases have become especially popular for mid-budget and niche films that may struggle to find an audience in theaters. This model also allows filmmakers to bypass traditional distribution channels and retain more creative control over their projects.
Video-on-Demand (VOD) is a distribution model that allows users to rent or purchase digital copies of films through various platforms. VOD services can be divided into three main categories: Transactional Video-on-Demand (TVOD), where users pay for each film they watch; Subscription Video-on-Demand (SVOD), where users pay a monthly fee for unlimited access to a library of content; and Ad-Supported Video-on-Demand (AVOD), which offers free content with advertisements. VOD releases often follow a film's theatrical run and may coexist with other distribution models.
Hybrid distribution is a flexible model that combines different distribution methods to reach the widest possible audience. For example, a film may have a limited theatrical release, followed by a simultaneous VOD and SVOD release. This approach allows studios to maximize revenue by targeting different audience segments and preferences. Hybrid distribution has become more common due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced studios to adapt and experiment with alternative release strategies.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, so do film distribution models. Theatrical, day-and-date, straight-to-streaming, VOD, and hybrid models have unique benefits and challenges. The key to success in the entertainment business is understanding the target audience, embracing new technologies and platforms, and choosing the most effective distribution model for a particular film.
Hi guys,
read through this article and add to your essay'
Here's an interesting infographic that highlights some other changes;
Work your way through these clips from the Netflix TV drama series called, Maid.You will need to hand this in for marking at the end of Wednesday's lesson.
Write down for each one;
- Big picture ideas (who is represented and how)
- plan of technical techniques used to portray this meaning in each clip
Maid clip – interview at cleaning co.
Maid clip – bear hunt
Maid clip – family dinner
Hi guys,
Have a read of this article and make notes that you can add in as an alternative perspective on technological advancements
Thursday Classwork and homework
Hey guys,
We are going to do an exercise with the video clip below.
Write on some A4 paper;
1. Big picture ideas (2 -3 statements about who is represented and how)
2. divided page of planning into 4 tech areas (write down techniques that you would use for each area as evidence to backup your main points)
3. Write an introduction which includes your big picture ideas as well as Stuart Hall's reception theory and also Gauntlett's identity theory
4. Hand in for marking
When They See Us (Netflix TV Drama)
Digital technology changes in how filmmakers are using web 2.0
https://raindance.org/exploring-digital-media-through-filmmaking-trends-in-2022/
Another article with some great points in how technology is changing the way films are made;
https://blog.audiosocket.com/filmmaking/future-of-film/
Hi guys,
Here is the exam question we are going to practise answering. We will discuss this as a class today and write up / draw up an essay plan. Then, you will write this for Media work on Thursday, using a 45 minute timer.
QUESTION
"How does your own experience of media consumption illustrate wider patters of audience behaviour?"
Hi guys,
Please work in pairs and work through this amazing document that has all the stats and information on how and where audiences are accessing media.
Audience Research.
Hi class,
Write down some interesting notes on distribution that outlines the difference between Indi films and big budget Hollywood films.
- What is a usual release strategy for Hollywood big-budget films?
- What are some examples of Indi films that did really well?
- Why do smaller films like Jojo Rabbit, winning awards, create a problem for awards show ratings?
- Why do they suggest Indi films are even more vulnerable?
CASE STUDIES
- how were your films distributed?
- where/ what countries?
- What release strategy did they use?
Hi guys,
Here's your essay question for the week ahead.
"How important is cross-media-convergence and synergy for institutions and audiences within a media area which you have studied?"
https://www.slideshare.net/kimfyson/synergy-and-cross-media-convergence-43956766
Cross Media Convergence
This is really a Business Studies term and refers to companies coming together vertically or horizontally (or both). The example often cited in exams is of Working Title making use of its parent company(s) to gain access to bigger stars and a better distribution network for their films. The same theory can be applied to the music industry where small labels are bought up and taken under the wing of larger groups, like Sony and EMI. Sony is a good example where they produce films, TV and music as well as the hardware to view/listen to their products (including smart phones)
Synergy
Synergy basically means working together to achieve an objective that couldn’t be achieved independently. Cross-media convergence can help with synergy if companies are wise enough to take advantage of the links they have forged. Disney is an obvious example of a synergistic company from the top down from Film Studio to Kids’ TV Channel (where it further plays and promotes its films) to the Disney Store (in the street and online) where your kids can pester you to buy all the merchandise and DVDs/CDs they’ve seen on the TV/Web or in the cinema.
Have a read of these articles and make some notes around some recent Chinese censorship decisions.
Hey guys,
I want you to make some notes on the following videos, looking at The Interview as our case study example.
Visit this website to check out some facts about the movie, so you have these ready for an essay, too...
You would use this case study in an essay about
- ownership
- technology (mainly how the internet has changed movies being so globally available)
- audience (how movies are now made for a global audience, even when not intended)
