Key Words

Denotation - the literal or primary meaning of a word

Connotation - an idea or feeling which a word invokes for a person in addition to its literal or primary meaning.

Realistic/Realism - having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected - reference to a character

Verisimilitude -  the appearance of being true or real - storyline reflects reality

High/Low Production Value - The look of the film being expensive/cheap

Narrative - The way a story is told.

Parallel Editing -  a technique whereby cutting occurs between two or more related actions occurring at the same time in two separate locations or different points in time. D. W. Griffith is often cited for his use of this technique.

Pace of Editing - Fast/slow - how long it takes to cut to the next shot

Screen time - The amount of time they're on the screen for

Shot reverse shot - fluency and continuity 

Continuity Editing -  Fluent and coherent. The predominant style of film editing and video editing in the post-production process of filmmaking of narrative films and television programs. The purpose of continuity editing is to smooth over the inherent discontinuity of the editing process and to establish a logical coherence between shots.

Montage editing -  a technique in film editing in which a series of short shots are edited into a sequence to condense space, time, and information. The term has been used in various contexts.

Discuss the issues raised by media ownership in the production, distribution and exchange of media texts in your chosen media area.

Discuss the issues raised by media ownership in the production, distribution and exchange of media texts in your chosen media area.

Media Ownership is associated with the types of media companies which produce and distribute products in relation to the value of the companies. The film industry/market is dominated by a small amount of companies known as conglomerates, forming an oligopoly. The market is shared between six different companies, Warner Brother (19.8%), Universal (19.4%), 20th Century Foxx (14.7%), Buena Vista (10.5%), Columbia (12%) and Paramount (8.5%), which account for 90% of the film box office. 

Firstly, with regards to production companies, media ownership is more substantially beneficial for conglomerates rather than independent companies. Due to the conglomerates larger financial capacity, they are able to perform strategies such as cross media convergence and synergy. Cross media convergence is the interpretation that two or more types of media coming together. An example of this is the release of Adele's "Skyfall" soundtrack which accompanied the release of the film, therefore both of the two products are promoting each other. It is more significant for conglomerates to used this method of promotion as they will own the subsidiaries needed to produce the relevant products. However, it is much more difficult for smaller independent companies to do this as they won't have enough money to set aside for expensive cross media convergence, and also, larger companies will not want to associate themselves with independents because they will not want to jeopardise their income as the product could potentially be a failure and unpopular. Which, in turn could lead to insufficient profits made or none at all. Therefore, larger production companies tend to spend a lot of money on the production of the film in order for assurance and comfort that the film will be successful and therefore accumulate significant gross. Also these companies do not take many risks as if the risks do not pay off, the mass amounts of money spent on the production will not be worth it, so they rather handle there procedures more safely taking minimal risks. However it also could be considered that because of the success of their previous films, the would be able to take more risks because their product is bound t be successful due to default.
 whereas synergy is different elements of a company working together in order to promote related products. Small independent companies find this a lot harder, for example Ill manors, directed by Ben Drew had a significantly small budget of only £100,000 and therefore could not afford to spare money in order to pay other companies to produce products accordingly. However, due to Ben Drew (Plan B) being established a musician, he was able to release his album, which was given the same title as the film, at the same time as the release of the film. 

Furthermore, conglomerate distribution companies would also profit from the value and size of the companies themselves. First of all, they can afford more costly marketing methods which reach larger audiences. Sony along side with MGM distributed Skyfall, introduced synergy and tie-ins to the products. They did this very effectively as they could afford established brands such as Aston Martin, Tom Ford and Omega which raised the awareness of the film alarmingly. They also collaborated with Coca Cola in order to produce a vending machine which allowed customers the chance to win tickets to see the film. As well as this, Skyfall's marketing companies had the opacity to publicise the film through the use of large billboards and posters which were displayed in highly populated areas in the UK and New York. Contrastingly, smaller independent companies would not be able to afford this method and therefore, alike Ill Manors, have to result to using cost effective forms of marketing such as social media and the use of web 2.0. When it comes to distributing the product conglomerates find it much easier to sell their products to the exhibitors. This is because exhibitors will favour in screening films from well established companies which are more like to be successful than films from independent companies.  This is illustrated through Skyfall being shown in 587 cinemas across the UK, meanwhile Revolver's Ill Manors was only shown in 191 across the UK and Ireland.

Finally, as previously mentioned, exhibitors such as cinemas are much more likely to show films from larger well established companies rather than smaller independents. This is because the films from larger companies have more probability of being successful and also accumulate much larger audiences. Therefore, as cinemas receive 60% of there overall revenue on concessionary items, the fact that larger audiences will be attending the viewings mean that the profits made on concessionary would increase accordingly. This opposes films from independent companies as the attendances will be significantly lower and ultimately will not allow the cinemas to accumulate substantial profits on concessionary which produces such high quantities of their finance.

Disability

Throughout the extract of the drama 'A Touch of Frost', disability, and in this case Downs Syndrome, is represented through the character of Billy. In the following essay I will discuss how this is represented in association with the micro elements.

During the opening scene the audience is introduced to two people through a mid shot seeming to refer to the character of Billy by stating 'I didn't think there was anything strange with Billy' in there dialogue. As the audience have not yet seen Billy, it makes them think about why they are referring to Billy in such a negative way and could even begin to them make assumptions that he has done something wrong.

In the first scene a long shot/tracking shot is used to follow Billy who seems to be walking through  a forest at night where he comes to a stop and dusts himself off. This shot shows Billy's sheepish body language which can imply wrong doing through is strange body language. This feel is continued through the introduction of low key lighting as well as an eerie non diegetic soundtrack. Then a low level long shot is used to show a police dog searching for Billy, therefore once again implying and relating disability to wrong and dangerous behaviour. Another Tracking shot is then used to show Billy's sheepish body language. Following this an extreme close up reaction shot is used to illustrate Billy as frightened. The dialogue of the Policeman initiate a short chase where Billy begins to run, contributing to the sense of wrong doing because why would he need to run away from the police. A mid shot is then used to show Billy struggling with the policeman on the ground but eventually losing the battle. Through dialogue Billy pleads 'I didn't do anything wrong' Here he is presented to be weaker than the able bodied and perhaps in need of being controlled. 

The next scene is initiated through a slow pan where is it apparent that neighbours a gathered by Billy's home. The fact that a police officer, recognisable through costume, is standing on guard contributes to the feel that disability is a potential threat to the local community. The setting then changes to the inside of Billy's house where a high angles mid shot is used to show Detective Frost and Billy's father conversing. Through dialogue Frost asks whether "Billy would be considered as mentally abnormal". The father corrects him by replying "handicapped". The body language of a nod is acquired to Frost in order to show his recognition of is mistake. It could be considered that the able bodied are being presented as ignorant to the disabled, not taking care in how they refer to them. Frost then states that he should "have someone with me in case I break the rules" and implies that they need to be cautious with Billy. Then a 3 person mid shot is used where Billy's both is introduced with the props a bowl filled with water when she asks if she can clean him to make him feel better. This presents the able treating the disabled in an over caring fashion by treating them like children.

Following this an action match of Frost and the father walking through the door is used to once again change the setting to a living room. A tracking shot is used to follow the father who eventually kneels down next to Billy and reassures Billy through dialogue and by putting his arm round him, once again showing the able bodied treating the disabled as child like. Here a high angle shot is used to show the camera looking down on Billy. Low angle POV shots are used along with several shot reverse shots where the 180 degree rule is applied. Close ups of Billy's face also allow the viewers to consider that he looks seemingly confused, supported by the fact that his head is slightly titled. The position of the father behind him acts as a purpose to present the able feeling as if they need to help explain and support Billy's view acting as an anchor. During this the Inspector is using very simplistic vocabulary as well as speaking slowly in a calm tone; reinforcing that the disabled are treated like children. Throughout this sequence of reversal shots, Billy is shown through a a high camera angle whereas when focussing on the inspector and low camera angle is used. Therefore forcing the audience to look up to Frost and down on Billy. Meanwhile Billy is acquired very simplistic replies, with minimal length to his sentences which also imply his childlike nature. Towards the end, Billy begins to become restless and impatient which is recognisable through the increase of pace and volume to his voice, once again implying how he is childish.

What is the significance Proliferation in hardware and content for I&A

What is the significance Proliferation in hardware and content for I&A

Definition - The proliferation of hardware is the increase or spread of technology at a rapid rate, meaning there is a large amount on it.

Production: 

Advantages

• More technology on set, quicker production, cheaper
• more technology means more people can produce content, leading to more content being created
• There is a lower barrier to entry
• can produce produce content on iPhones - Ill manors scene

Disadvantages

• More competition, hard to succeed and therefore could lead to people spending more money on production in order to succeed.
• Harder for indie companies

Distribution:

Advantages

• more content to distribute so more more can be made
• more effective distribution as loads of people have access to Web 2.0 and therefore marketing of films will reach more people.
• cheaper distribution - social networking (Ill Manors)

Disadvantages

• will be harder of films to be successful as there be a lot of films being aimed and advertised to specific audiences
• distributing companies have to up their game

Exhibition: 

Advantages

• More technology to consume media on 
• the technology allows companies such as Netflix to exist and operate
• more content to be exhibited, so more audiences will be reached
• digital/3D projectors become cheaper
• more content to chose from

Disadvantages

• cinema attendance numbers fall
• need to spend more money to improve their service- d box seating,IMAX

Audiences:

Advantages

• can consume in any location as long you have connection 
• cheaper consumption
• more hardware to consume content on
• more content to chose from

Disadvantages:

• As people can watch film on many devices in any location there will be distractions which opposes the cinema experience. People may be content but it's not the same experience as the cinema.

Section B revision

To what extent does digital distribution affect the marketing and consumption of media products in the media area you have studied?

In the modern film industry, films are now distributed digitally, meaning that they are now being delivered to the exhibitors electronically. This has been developed from the previous method of distributing film physically which was considerable expensive and time consuming to distribute the 35mm film. Digital distribution is therefore much more effective as it is free of charge and can be delivered quickly. It effects the distribution and exhibition companies both positively and negatively as well as the audiences.

Firstly, films can now be marketed digitally through Web 2.0 free of charge, meaning that they can direct more of their budget to other aspects of the product such as the production. This allows low budgeted films to be marketed successfully. Companies are beginning to using social media campaigns excessively as it provides advertisement worldwide to anyone with access to Web 2.0. For example, Ill Manors wouldn't have been produced without these low cost marketing techniques.  They creates a Facebook page which accumulated 31,000 likes, demonstrating the wide range of people reached through social media. On this page they posted posters, trailers and other exclusive content which contributed to the 'buzz' and interest of the film. Distribution companies also use Youtube to present any trailers or insights to the upcoming films. Revolver entertainment posted their official trailer for Ill Manors which reached 740,990 views. Also Sony Pictures Entertainment posted their official trailer which accumulated 23,019,136 views along side with their teaser trailer which gathered 9,355,431 views. These statistics symbolise the masses of viewers reached through posting insights on social media, epitomizing the success in advertising and publicising the product. Adverts have also made there way into social networking with pop ups on the screen which provide links to watch trailers on Youtube. Both of the aforementioned films had websites made such as www.illmanors.com and www.skyfall-movie.com which once again provided further insights to the film.

Additionally, due to digital distribution, exhibitors and audiences have benefited significantly. It has provided platforms for companies such as Netflix to actually have the services to operate. Netflix works 100% digitally and without digital distribution it would receive films to display, therefore meaning that they would have no interest and would not exist. Also if Netflix was not available, audiences wouldn't be able to watch films at any internet connected location. Digital distribution, also allows the audience to view films on TV or on demand where some of the latest films can be viewed. Films can also be bought/rented digitally on box-offices which would not e available without digital distribution. Another advantage of this type of distribution would be that films are now available on DVD or Blu-ray which allow the audience to watch films wherever they want on devices such as computers, TV's and gaming consoles. All in all, digital distribution provides many more platforms for the audience to consume media other than attending the cinema which are all accessible in the comfort of their own home. However, there is also a down side of digital distribution. This is that there is an increased risk of piracy which leads to the establishment of illegal unlicensed websites which stream movies for free.

Furthermore, cinemas have also been affected accordingly. They are now able to gain much needed consistency within their viewings. This is because before,when cinemas exhibited films by running a film reel, the film gradually deteriorates due to the constant viewing and therefore the quality of the film also deteriorated. Digital distribution eliminates this issue as the viewing remain of the same quality from the first viewing until the last viewing. This also effects the audience massively as they will be provided with an excellent quality regardless of the time which they attend the viewing. However, exhibition companies now face much more competition in attracting audiences and will feel the need to introduce new technologies such as 3D/4D screenings, high quality sound systems. bigger screens and new improved D-Box seating in order to do so. There are also modern companies such as Netflix which rely fully on digital distribution and only operate digitally. These websites are also very appealing to the audience as it supplies them with the opportunity to consume film within the comfort of their home.

Ultimately, digital distribution allows films of a low budget to still be marketed successfully through social media campaigns as mentioned above, therefore allowing more money being spent elsewhere on the product. Also it increases the quality of the viewings to the audience as they are now of a higher consistency and also available within the comfort of their own home.

What significance does the continuing development of digital media technology have of media institutions and audiences?

INTRO - 


MAIN PARAGRAPHS
Production - Advantages
High quality digital cameras 
Digital filming is much more efficient because it allows the producers to review their footage over in order to establish whether the footage is useful/successful.
Much Quicker and easier - therefore cheaper
Editing stage is also much more effective with the latest softwares 

Disadvantages
Much more competition because of the easier access to digital technology meaning more people will be able to produce film

Case Study ILL MANORS - produced on digital technology £100,000 budget



Distribution - Advantages
The ability to distribute digitally is much more quicker than exporting 35mm film.
Free of charge 
Free marketing methods through Web 2.0 - CASE STUDY ILL MANORS 
Trailers websites

Disadvantages
Increased chance of piracy as people don't know who they're distributing their film to

Exhibition - Advantages


CONCLUSION - 

How does technological convergence affect institutions and audiences?

Technological convergence is the transformation towards differing technological systems to evolve towards performing the similar tasks where multiple media are combined into one device. Mobile phones such as the iPhone are a good examples of technological convergence as they incorporate several aspects of different media. Consisting of cameras, mp3 players, camcorders, voice recorders, internet browser, GPS. Technological convergence is seemingly influential in the production, distribution and exhibition institutions of the film industry in addition to the audiences.

One key aspect of technological convergence is associated with the production of films. For many years, films were traditionally produced using film reels and very expensive large cameras. In modern day the majority of film businesses produce films digitally for many reasons. Films such as Skyfall and Ill Manors were filmed digitally. The main advantage of filming in the format would be that it is considerably cheaper, assisting the more Independent companies who have a lesser budget than the conglomerates. Ill manors wouldn't have been successfully produced if it was filmed traditionally due to their extremely low budget of £600,000. This minimal budget would've have been significantly spent only on filming, leaving substantially less amounts of finance to spend on other areas. Saving money in this way allows production companies to spend more of their budget on other aspects of the film. Also technologies have been merged into smartphones as mentioned above which allows production platforms for producing film. Meaning a whole film can be produced on a smartphone and even edited on them. As there are an increasing amount of independent businesses who can produce films at a minimal cost, therefore more independent companies will invest in the industry and therefore will be much more competition to attract interest into their product.

Accordingly, technological convergence has brought advantages to the distribution aspect of the film industry. Previously, film had to actually be physically transferred to all exhibitors which would be significantly time consuming and also cause financial setbacks to transport them. However, now days films can be stored on digital devices such as computers, iPhones and tablets and can be downloaded to cinemas. This is much more time efficient and also doesn't cost any money, apart from the cost of the device in which it is stored. Distributors must lock the files to particular cinema screens/projectors to ensure that the film can only be played at a specific place and a specific number of times. These companies do this because they can be unaware of how many people or who is downloading there product, which could lead to piracy. Piracy and illegal movie streaming websites are increasing as technological convergence allows them to easily stream films. Ranging websites allow audiences to view download or watch the latest streamed films. The distribution industry also benefit from the technological convergence of devices such as smartphones, computers and tablets as their distribution methods which involve internet use will be able to be seen by anyone, anywhere on any of these devices as long as they have connection to the internet. Methods such as social media campaigns and trailers and advertisement on websites and sites such as twitter, Facebook and YouTube being used are very effective as people can explore these sites continuously due to the converged devices. Without these devices existing, people would have much more limited access to the internet, meaning that the methods used by distribution companies wouldn't be successful as viewers wouldn't have consistent access to them.

Furthermore, technological convergence has influenced the exhibition companies and audiences as now they can consume film through various technologies. Film can now be consumed through hardware such as smartphones, laptops, tablets and gaming consoles. Meaning that customers have access to the internet where they have the opportunity to use streaming websites such as Netflix and Lovefilm and several other legal sites any time at countless locations. Also services such as films on demand and Sky Box Office are available where thousands of films can be purchased/rented to view over a period of time of even at no cost available for an unlimited time period. Without technological convergence audiences would have a much more limited access to these services and consumerism would depreciate. This has also significantly impacted the exhibition industry as there are now many other ways  which audiences can consume media, meaning that exhibition companies such cinemas have much more competition and have begun to alter their services accordingly. Piracy also creates a problems for exhibition companies as they are losing interest and finance due to it and cinemas have initiated upgrades in the experience they offer by improving several aspects. They now have increased the sizes of their screens, producing a further wow factor about the sheer exaggeration of the experience. This is accompanied by better quality speakers which gain a improved connection with the audience as they will not have this service at home. Films are also available in 3D which can be viewed by customers in premium seats which are more spacial but come at a further cost. Also recently D-Box seats seats are starting to be introduced where the seat vibrate and move according to the action on the screen. These a several ways in which exhibition companies are enhancing their service in order to improve the experience and create attraction and attention.

Ultimately, technological convergence has provided audiences with the ability to consume films wherever they chose. The many opportunities to view films free of charge have caused peoples ambitions to watch free films to venture away from the cinema, therefore significantly impacting the film industry, specifically exhibition and distribution companies. This has provokes cinemas to improve the overall experience of their service, introduce new and effective technologies and elements to available at home.