1) What is independent cinema and how is it different to Hollywood blockbusters?
Independent films are not made by big film studios. Directors and producers have more creative input, they have smaller budgets and are distributed by smaller companies.
2) What is I, Daniel Blake about?
It is about Daniel Blake,59, who is unable to work after suffering health problems. As a result, he needs help from the state. He befriends a single mother with two kids. He stands up against the injustices of the system. The movie has a very strong political message about the British government.
3) Who directed I, Daniel Blake and why is this important?
Ken Loach directed I, Daniel Blake. He has directed social realism films for over 50 years. He makes movies about ordinary, working class people and the struggles they face, usually with political themes. His movies intend to inform the public rather than entertain or make money.
4) How was I, Daniel Blake promoted to an audience? List at least three different methods used by the film's marketing campaign.
'Pay what you can' screenings at community centres
Jeremy Corbyn attended the premiere
Guerilla marketing-"I, Daniel Blake" was projected onto the houses of parliament
5) What unusual or creative marketing methods were used to get audiences talking about the film?
They projected images onto buildings around London to generate buzz.
6) What was the estimated production budget for I, Daniel Blake and how much did it make at the box office?
It had a budget of £2 million and made £11 million at the box office.
7) How can independent films like I, Daniel Blake compete with Hollywood blockbusters like Doctor Strange?
Although indie films are released to a more niche audience, they evoke a lot of interest and conversation.
8) In your opinion, was I, Daniel Blake a success?
Yes, as it raised a lot of political conversation and although Loach's goal was not to make money, it still made 5x the initial budget.
Friday, 22 February 2019
Doctor Strange Blog Task
1) List the companies involved in the creation of Doctor Strange.
Walt Disney
Walt Disney
Marvel Studios
2) What is conglomerate ownership and how does it link to Doctor Strange?
A conglomerate ownership is when one big conglomerate owns smaller companies. This links to Doctor Strange as Walt Disney owns Marvel studios.
3) Who regulates the film industry in the UK?
British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)
4) What age rating was Doctor Strange given? Why?
12A-Moderate fantasy violence and injury detail but not too graphic.
5) How was Doctor Strange promoted to an audience? List at least three different methods used by the film's marketing campaign.
Promotional Partners-Google,Microsoft,Skype etc...
A conglomerate ownership is when one big conglomerate owns smaller companies. This links to Doctor Strange as Walt Disney owns Marvel studios.
3) Who regulates the film industry in the UK?
British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)
4) What age rating was Doctor Strange given? Why?
12A-Moderate fantasy violence and injury detail but not too graphic.
5) How was Doctor Strange promoted to an audience? List at least three different methods used by the film's marketing campaign.
Promotional Partners-Google,Microsoft,Skype etc...
Mobile and Video game characters
TV campaigns with "TV only" clips
6) Analyse the film trailer for Doctor Strange. What aspects of the trailer tell you this is a big-budget blockbuster movie?
Range of different locations
6) Analyse the film trailer for Doctor Strange. What aspects of the trailer tell you this is a big-budget blockbuster movie?
Range of different locations
Star power
Lots of Special Effects
7) What was the production budget for Doctor Strange and how much did it make at the box office?
It had a production budget of $165 million and made $700 million at the box office.
8) Would you consider Doctor Strange a successful Hollywood blockbuster? Why?
7) What was the production budget for Doctor Strange and how much did it make at the box office?
It had a production budget of $165 million and made $700 million at the box office.
8) Would you consider Doctor Strange a successful Hollywood blockbuster? Why?
Yes-it made over 4x it's initial budget and overtook Iron Man as the most successful single character Marvel movie.
Arctic Monkeys-I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor: Blog Task
1) How do audiences generally watch music videos these days?
Initially, music videos were streamed on MTV but due to the rise of YouTube, it has become more common to view music videos on this platform.
2) What opportunities has the growth of digital technology and YouTube created for new music artists?
Due to the rise of digital media, music companies have had to adapt and come up with new methods of sharing music. As a result, mediums such as music videos have become more popular and can also be used as marketing strategies.
3) What is P2P and why did it cause huge problems for the music industry?
peer to peer-music was being illegally downloaded and copied and industries were losing a lot of money and control of their music. However, the rise of legitimate streaming sites (e.g. apple music, spotify etc...) have helped combat this issue.
4) Do you think the internet has given audiences more power over who becomes successful in the music industry? Why?
No, as large companies are able to spend more money on promoting their artists via social media, limiting the amount of music we are exposed to. Furthermore, although we can make certain artists more popular, industries have the power to release and promote certain artists.
5) How has Fortnite demonstrated the potential future for music videos and promotional opportunities for the music industry? You can read more on this event in this Verge feature.
It allows music industries to explore the idea of communicating with fans through unconventional methods and opens up a whole new realm of possibilities as the ability to convey music broadens.
Arctic Monkeys: Industry
1) How did the Arctic Monkeys first achieve success and build up their fanbase?
They achieved success after performing many small gigs and building up a fanbase on Myspace where they could talk to fans and release music.2) Why was P2P file sharing an unexpected aspect to Arctic Monkeys' early success?
It allowed fans to share their music and many people could hear it on P2P sites.3) How does the rise of Arctic Monkeys differ from how One Direction were formed and became famous?
One Direction were formed and manufactured by a record label whereas Arctic Monkeys were all friends and rose to fame after playing at small venues.4) How has technological convergence changed the music industry?
Technical convergence means all forms of music media can be accessed in one place. This changes the way music videos are produced and consumed.5) Has the internet been a positive or negative development for traditional record companies? Why?
It has been negative as traditional record companies have had to change their way of producing music.Arctic Monkeys: Audience
1) What is the main Arctic Monkeys audience - demographics and psychographics?
Demographic- middle class, white, young (roughly 20's)
Psychographics- reformers, explorers
2) What audience pleasures are offered by the music video for I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor?
Diversion-fast,upbeat tunes
3) Pick out three particular shots, scenes or moments in the video that would particularly appeal to Arctic Monkeys fans. Why did you choose those moments?
Before playing the music, the lead singer addresses the fans, giving the effect of being at a live gig.
Zooming into the guitar allows the consumer to focus on the members raw talent as they rely on live instruments instead of computers and autotune.
They do panning shots around the band, showing all of the cameras and wires. It shows the band as authentic as possible.
4) What is nostalgia and why is it a key audience pleasure for the Arctic Monkeys music video?
Nostalgia is longing for the past and this is key as although the video was made in the 2000's, it was based on the style of bands from the 1970's.
5) How are fans positioned to respond to the video? What does the artist want fans to take from their video?
The artist wants the fans to appreciate the music and talent rather than focusing on high budget videos.
One Direction-History: Blog task
1) What are the key conventions of music video?Music videos typically feature movement – often fast paced either in terms of actors, camerawork or editing. Many contain a performance element or narrative. Music videos can also feature visual effects and intertextuality.
2) What is intertextuality?
When one media text references another.
3) When did music videos first become a major part of the music industry?
The popularity of music videos increased when MTV launched in 1981. Although budgets of music videos have decreased since the 1990's, their accessibility has increased due to digital media.
4) What launched in 1981 and why were music videos an important part of the music industry in the 1980s and 1990s?
MTV launched in 1981. Music videos act as a promotional product and an artform in their own right.
5) How are music videos distributed and watched in the digital age?
Due to digital media, music videos are distributed on sites such as Youtube rather than MTV, which is known mainly for reality tv.
One Direction: Industry
1) How were One Direction formed and how is this reflected in the music video for History?
One Direction were manufactured on the X Factor by Simon Cowell. This is reflected in the History music video as they show several clips from their time on the X Factor and show their gratitude to Simon Cowell.
2) What is vertical integration?
Vertical integration is when one conglomerate owns different companies in the same chain of production.
3) What is horizontal integration?
Horizontal integration is when one company buys other companies at the same level of distribution.
4) How has technological convergence changed the way audiences consume music videos?
The way audiences hear music has vastly changed. Rather than using methods such as the radio,where audiences could only hear the music, the rise of digital music channels (e.g. MTV) has meant that music videos are used as an efficient way of promoting artists and they are very common, especially with manufactured artists.5) As a manufactured band, what influence do Simon Cowell and the record company Syco (part of Sony) have over the content and release strategy of One Direction music videos?
They control the image and brand ethos of the band so they have input in the way the boys act and behave. They control the music released so they have a lot of power over their sound and who they are targeted towards.
Audience
1) What is the main One Direction audience - demographics and psychographics?
Demographics-female, teenagers (12-18)
Psychographics-Mainstreamers, the target for their music is a large proportion of teenage girls and their pop sound is very mainstream.2) What audience pleasures are offered by the music video for History?
Personal Relationships- devoted fans get to see how the relationship between band members have evolved and also, the song's lyrics could also be applied as a message between the consumer and the artist.
Nostalgia-the video uses black and white toning to create a sense of time passing. It also uses clips from the band over the years that will create a sense of nostalgia for fans.
Diversion- the music video is very polished and well made, there is very little sense of realism.3) Pick out three particular shots, scenes or moments in the video that would particularly appeal to One Direction fans. Why did you choose those moments?
The opening black and white shots would appeal to One Direction fans as it showcases their initial rise to fame and reminds their fans of how their careers first started-it provides a sense of nostalgia.
The wide shot showing the group standing by their fans hints to the audience that they have played a key role in the members lives and highlights their gratitude, rewarding the fans-personal relationships.
The coloured shot of the group singing emphasises how much they have changed since their debut as a group, it contrasts with the first shot.4) What is nostalgia and why is it a key audience pleasure for the History music video?
Nostalgia is yearning for the past, typically associated with happy memories. It is a key component of the video as it was the groups last video before their hiatus and it summarises all of the best moments of their careers so far.5) How are fans positioned to respond to the video? What do the producers want One Direction fans to take from the video?
Producers want fans to be able to look back fondly on all the memories but there is also an element of sadness as it symbolises the end of an era.
Wednesday, 6 February 2019
The Times Case Study
Language
1) What are the main stories on the front cover of the Times CSP edition (15 March 2017)?
'Scots want to remain in the UK, new poll reveals'
2) What are the main stories on the inside page of the Times CSP edition (15 March 2017)?
Muirfield golf club opens up to female members.
Transgender person is jailed for stabbing someone.
3) What is the balance on the Times front page between images, headlines and text?
Although there is a large image on the top third of the page, there is still a large amount of text, providing it's readers with a lot of information.
4) How do we know that the Times is aimed at a wealthy, educated, middle class audience?
It's price is higher than other papers, suggesting it is aimed at readers with more disposable income. It provides more hard news, choosing to focus on politics and culture rather than celebrities and sports.
5) What does a close analysis of the news stories in the Times CSP edition suggest about the Times political beliefs?
They write stories, sympathising with Theresa May, highlighting their conservative beliefs. They criticise global conglomerates and attempt to depict MP's in a positive light.
Audience
1) What is the target audience for the Times?
The Times target audience is older with over half the audience aged 55+. In terms of social class, they are overwhelmingly in the ABC1 social classes - and largely the A or B groups within that group.
2) Why do the Times front page stories/features appeal to the Times audience?
The tone of many of it's articles suggests it empathises with more traditional customs and ways of doing things (e.g. only men's golf club) which will appeal to it's majority conservative readership.
3) Why might the Muirfield golf story be of interest to Times readers?
Surveillance: Newspapers provide information on politics and such. This edition of the Times informs it's readers of information on conglomerates such as Google and Channel 4.
Entertainment: Depicts an image of Angeline Jolie which suggests interest in celebrities etc... Furthermore, it contains articles on holidays and 'culture hotspots'.
5) Times readers are mostly over 55 years old. Why is this?
Younger audiences are more likely to get their information and news from the internet and digital platforms. Additionally, The Times has quite traditional viewpoints that will appeal to older audiences rather than publishing articles that are more targeted at younger audiences.
Representation
1) What representation of Great Britain can be found on the front page of the Times?
Great Britain seems like a desirable place to be with a stable government as it implies that Scotland would rather stay in the UK than leave and become independent.
2) How does the Times represent the gender in the Muirfield golf feature?
It seems to be in favour of a men's only golf club yet highly praises the club for admitting women, glossing over the fact that it will remain women-free for a few more years. It focuses on the positive aspects of the club rather than addressing it's outdated ethos.
3) How does the Times represent big companies like Google or Channel 4?
It presents them as corrupt and untrustworthy; a threat to the people.
4) How does the Times present the story of the transgender runner jailed for stabbing an official? What does this suggest about the Times's attitude towards LGBT issues?
It focuses on the fact that the stabber was transgender,unfairly implying that all transgender people pose a threat to the public. It doesn't publish any other LGBT-related stories, purposely portraying them in a negative light in order to appeal to it's old-fashioned readers that refuse to assimilate into modern times.
5) What clues can you find in the CSP pages that suggest that Times readers are more likely to support the Conservative Party?
They sympathise with the Conservative prime minister as they imply she was unfairly 'ambushed' by Nicola Sturgeon.
Industries
1) Who owns the Times?
The Times is owned by News UK, a subsidiary of News Corporation which is owned by Rupert Murdoch, an Australian media mogul.
2) What is the The Times's circulation in 2018? How many papers did the Times used to sell back in the 1990s?
In the 1990's, it's circulation was an estimated 800,000 but it has fallen to roughly 430,000 in 2018.
3) How has the Times reacted to the decline in print sales and the growth of the internet?
It has moved towards a multi platform landscape, it has a social media strategy and has a paywall on it's online content.
4) Using Galtung and Ruge's News Values theory, choose three factors that make a news story more likely to be placed on the front page of the newspaper.
Familiarity-if it happened in/near Britain
Amplitude-the story is big/involves a large number of people
Immediacy-the story has happened recently
5) Why have newspapers seen such a steep decline in sales over the last 20 years?
There has been a rise in online news, meaning people no longer need to buy print newspapers; it's less convenient.
1) What are the main stories on the front cover of the Times CSP edition (15 March 2017)?
'Scots want to remain in the UK, new poll reveals'
2) What are the main stories on the inside page of the Times CSP edition (15 March 2017)?
Muirfield golf club opens up to female members.
Transgender person is jailed for stabbing someone.
3) What is the balance on the Times front page between images, headlines and text?
Although there is a large image on the top third of the page, there is still a large amount of text, providing it's readers with a lot of information.
4) How do we know that the Times is aimed at a wealthy, educated, middle class audience?
It's price is higher than other papers, suggesting it is aimed at readers with more disposable income. It provides more hard news, choosing to focus on politics and culture rather than celebrities and sports.
5) What does a close analysis of the news stories in the Times CSP edition suggest about the Times political beliefs?
They write stories, sympathising with Theresa May, highlighting their conservative beliefs. They criticise global conglomerates and attempt to depict MP's in a positive light.
Audience
1) What is the target audience for the Times?
The Times target audience is older with over half the audience aged 55+. In terms of social class, they are overwhelmingly in the ABC1 social classes - and largely the A or B groups within that group.
2) Why do the Times front page stories/features appeal to the Times audience?
The tone of many of it's articles suggests it empathises with more traditional customs and ways of doing things (e.g. only men's golf club) which will appeal to it's majority conservative readership.
3) Why might the Muirfield golf story be of interest to Times readers?
It's a prestigious golf club that has many high profile members. It has been around for many years and is an elite club. This will interest more upper class audiences as they can keep up with what's happening in upper class circles.
4) Why might a reader enjoy the Times? Use Blumler & Katz Uses and Gratifications theory to add detail to your answer.Surveillance: Newspapers provide information on politics and such. This edition of the Times informs it's readers of information on conglomerates such as Google and Channel 4.
Entertainment: Depicts an image of Angeline Jolie which suggests interest in celebrities etc... Furthermore, it contains articles on holidays and 'culture hotspots'.
5) Times readers are mostly over 55 years old. Why is this?
Younger audiences are more likely to get their information and news from the internet and digital platforms. Additionally, The Times has quite traditional viewpoints that will appeal to older audiences rather than publishing articles that are more targeted at younger audiences.
Representation
1) What representation of Great Britain can be found on the front page of the Times?
Great Britain seems like a desirable place to be with a stable government as it implies that Scotland would rather stay in the UK than leave and become independent.
2) How does the Times represent the gender in the Muirfield golf feature?
It seems to be in favour of a men's only golf club yet highly praises the club for admitting women, glossing over the fact that it will remain women-free for a few more years. It focuses on the positive aspects of the club rather than addressing it's outdated ethos.
3) How does the Times represent big companies like Google or Channel 4?
It presents them as corrupt and untrustworthy; a threat to the people.
4) How does the Times present the story of the transgender runner jailed for stabbing an official? What does this suggest about the Times's attitude towards LGBT issues?
It focuses on the fact that the stabber was transgender,unfairly implying that all transgender people pose a threat to the public. It doesn't publish any other LGBT-related stories, purposely portraying them in a negative light in order to appeal to it's old-fashioned readers that refuse to assimilate into modern times.
5) What clues can you find in the CSP pages that suggest that Times readers are more likely to support the Conservative Party?
They sympathise with the Conservative prime minister as they imply she was unfairly 'ambushed' by Nicola Sturgeon.
Industries
1) Who owns the Times?
The Times is owned by News UK, a subsidiary of News Corporation which is owned by Rupert Murdoch, an Australian media mogul.
2) What is the The Times's circulation in 2018? How many papers did the Times used to sell back in the 1990s?
In the 1990's, it's circulation was an estimated 800,000 but it has fallen to roughly 430,000 in 2018.
3) How has the Times reacted to the decline in print sales and the growth of the internet?
It has moved towards a multi platform landscape, it has a social media strategy and has a paywall on it's online content.
4) Using Galtung and Ruge's News Values theory, choose three factors that make a news story more likely to be placed on the front page of the newspaper.
Familiarity-if it happened in/near Britain
Amplitude-the story is big/involves a large number of people
Immediacy-the story has happened recently
5) Why have newspapers seen such a steep decline in sales over the last 20 years?
There has been a rise in online news, meaning people no longer need to buy print newspapers; it's less convenient.
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