Beyoncé - 1+1 - Analysis

Beyonce Analysis

Audience and Institutions-the 7 Key Concept Areas Listed And Explained

Audience & Institutions - The 7 Key Concept Areas Listed & Explained

Section B: Institutions and Audiences

Candidates should be prepared to understand and discuss the processes of production, distribution, marketing and exchange as they relate to contemporary media institutions, as well as the nature of audience consumption and the relationships between audiences and institutions. In addition, candidates should be familiar with:

• the issues raised by media ownership in contemporary media practice;
• the importance of cross media convergence and synergy in production, distribution and marketing;
• the technologies that have been introduced in recent years at the levels of production, distribution, marketing and exchange;
• the significance of proliferation in hardware and content for institutions and audiences;
• the importance of technological convergence for institutions and audiences;
• the issues raised in the targeting of national and local audiences (specifically, British) by international or global institutions;
• the ways in which the candidates’ own experiences of media consumption illustrate wider patterns and trends of audience behaviour.

• the issues raised by media ownership in contemporary (current) media practice

The depth and range of ownership across a range of media and the consequences of this ownership for audiences in terms of the genres and budgets for films. How for instance, can Channel4's Film4 survive in the British market place against the high concept, big-budget films made by Newcorp's FOX, Warner Bros, Disney, Universal, etc.? What kinds of niche audiences are left for Film4 to attract? Are mass audiences out of reach given the genres of films Film4 have the budgets to make? How successful have they been in reaching mass audiences with their films? How healthy is it that just a few mega media groups can own such a range of media and can decide what the public may see, and, perhaps, shape audience's tastes?

• the importance of cross media convergence and synergy in production, distribution and marketing

 Digital technology is enabling various media to converge in hubs, platforms and devices. For instance, mobiles phones do a lot more than act as hand held telephones: you can download and watch films and TV programmes, use them as alarm clocks, watches, play music on them, take photos and short films, text, go online, use GPS functions, a range of apps, and a whole lot more. New HD TVs, Playstations, X-Boxes, iPads, Notebooks, MacBooks, etc. are also examples of hubs which in which a variety of media technologies can converge for convenience for users. Media convergence is having an enormous impact on the film industry because of the ways in which institutions can produce and market for audiences/users on a widening range of platforms, capable of receiving their films.

Synergies can come out of an organisation's size; smaller media organisations such as Channel4 can-cross promote their films, etc. but the scale of cross-media promotion is nowhere near as great as that which can be gained by massive media organisations. Film4 is therefore unable to promote their lower budget films on a level playing field.

• the technologies that have been introduced in recent years at the levels of production, distribution, marketing and exchange

The audience's ability to interact with films by, for instance, using digital technology to put extracts on You Tube and overlay new sound tracks on them, etc. and make answering videos has been greatly enhanced by Web 2.0; Film studios can make films using CGI, greenscreen and other special effects that were impossible to make only a few years ago. The ways of filming and editing films have changed, too, with the introduction of digital film and film cameras, editing software, laptops, digital projectors, etc. Distributors market films using the latest software for designing high-concept film posters and trailers. They can use phone apps., online marketing, Twitter, etc. File-sharing and piracy are growing issues because the software exists to take the protective encryption of DVDs, etc and WEB 2.0 enables people to make and share copies of films easily. One way in which film companies are trying to get around this is by releasing films soon after theatrical release by selling them on video-on-demand, premium TV channels and downloads. US and UK cinemas chains are not happy about this, especially after all the investment some have made on digital equipment, projectors, etc. which unfortunately quickly goes very quickly out of date!

• the significance of proliferation in hardware and content for institutions and audiences

This means the increase of something: i.e. digital cameras, software, CGI, 3D films, film genres, etc. which are part of current trends; how significant is this for See Saw Films or Film4? Or are they still able to be successful without it by making films with genres that do not need the latest breakthroughs in digital technology? Research the film company's use of cameras, special effects, software, posters, digital distribution of films, etc.

• the importance of technological convergence for institutions and audiences

This is a WEB 2.0 issue and how technology is coming together in hubs like laptops is one of the features of our age; the mobile phone in your pocket is a great example of technological convergence: it can do so much more than a simple phone call; think how this is affecting film making at the production, marketing and exhibition stages? The Internet is acting as a hub for many aspects of film: you will find film posters, YouTube videos on films, interviews, trailers, official film and blog websites, etc. on it.  Audiences can also remake their own films by creating extracts and running new scores over them and then posting them on YouTube. This often leads to answering videos, never mind the comments, etc. that people make  on such sites. The internet, film and videos games seems to be converging in so many ways. People can watch films in a range of ways, using an astonishing range of hardware and software. They can also find audiences of their own. This amounts to free publicity for film institutions for their films and "A Long Tail" sales into the future through endless exchange.

• the issues raised in the targeting of national and local audiences (specifically, British) by international or global institutions

"Slumdog Millionaire" was originally aimed at Asian audiences living in various parts of the UK and also at Danny Boyle fans. The film's unexpected success at film festivals and being nominated for the Oscars led to another theatrical release and a crossover from the "indy" art-house into the mainstream. British film makers often make social realism films and aim them at local and regional audiences whereas this would never be enough for the major media players who tend to make high budget, high concept films. They have boutique offshoots who make and often distribute lower budget films, aimed at more high brow audiences. Disney's Mirimax and Fox's Fox Searchlight are examples of such boutique, art-house film distribution.

• the ways in which the candidates’ own experiences of media consumption illustrate wider patterns and trends of audience behaviour
How you consume films whether it is as a social activity after visiting a shopping centre or on an MP4 player or Playstation, is what is at issue here. Visit Pearl and Dean to see how multiplex cinemas are adapting the experience of cinema-going to gain audiences. In an age of falling DVD sales, home cinema and an increase in downloading for both music and film audiences are changing in how they want to consume film. Identify trends and consider where the audience trends are going in the near future.

This unit should be approached through contemporary (up-to-date) examples in the form of case studies based upon one of the specified media areas. 

7 Areas of Representation & 4 Areas of Textual Analysis

7 Areas of Representation & 4 Areas of Textual Analysis

7 Areas of Representation

• Gender
• Age
• Ethnicity
• Sexuality
• Class and status
• Physical ability/disability
• Regional identity

4 Areas of Textual Analysis

Camera shots, angle, movement, composition.


Shots - establishing shot, master shot, close-up, mid-shot, long shot, wide show, two-shot, aerial shot, point of view shot, over the should shot, and variations of these.

Angle - high angle, low angle, canted angle.

Movement - pan, tilt, track, dolly, crane, steadicam, hand-held, zoom, reverse zoom.

Composition - framing, rule of thirds, depth of field - deep and shallow focus, focus pulls.

Editing

Includes transition of image and sound - continuity and non-continuity systems.

Cutting - shot/reverse shot, eyeline match, graphic match, action match, jump cut, crosscutting, parallel editing, cutaway; insert.

Other Transitions - dissolve, fade-in, fade-out, wipe, superimposition, long take, short take, slow motion, ellipsis and expansion of time, post-production, visual effects.

Sound

Soundtrack - score, incidental music, themes and stings, ambient sound.

Diegetic and non-diegetic sound, synchronous/asynchronous sound, sound effects, sound motif, sound bridge, dialogue, voiceover, mode of address/direct address, sound mixing, sound perspective.

Mise-en-Scène

Production Design - location, studio, set design, costume and makeup, properties.

Lighting - colour design.

Video Clip Analysis - Green Street

Green Street

Camera Shots

The opening scene features a lower body shot showing the feet of the GSE firm. The shot shows a large number of people walking as group. This builds suspense as we want to know where they are going and what is going to happen. It then shows an upper body shot so we can see the heads and shoulders of the GSE members walking. In the distance we can see Matt Buckner running to catch up with the group, it then features a close up of his face where we can see that he has facial injuries. At 1:00 an establishing shot is used to show the scene where two firms have met one of which is the GSE. This view tells us that a fight is about to take place due to the nature of the film. At roughly 1:50 a shot is used which is low to floor. This makes the viewer feel as if they are watching it first hand as you can see more than one fight going on from the perspective of someone involved. A handheld camera is used throughout. This makes the viewer of the film feel as if they are actually there especially at the start where it is very shaky. This gives the effect that you are walking with the characters in the film.

Editing

Part of the clip is edited into slow motion when there is one character repeatedly being punched in the face. This emphasises the violence taking place and makes the viewer able to see the transition of his injuries.

Sound

The clip opens with the song "One Blood" by Terrance Jay. The song is very slow and contrasts with what takes place later on in the clip although I think the song gives the impression that something major is going to happen. It also gives the impression that the end is near and this may be the last time we see certain characters.

Mise En Scene

All the characters in the clip are dressed in clothing which is worn by 'Football Casuals' or 'Hooligans'. This usually expensive designer labels. The fight scene is set in a secluded location with little around it. This makes the main focus the fight that is about to occur. The location being this particular place suggest that there is going to be violence as it isn't near building and people.

Representation In The Media - 100 Words

All media texts are re-presentations of reality and have been fine-tuned by producers to fit a specific audience or purpose. When studying different types of media it’s important to remember that however the media has been created and with whatever budget it is still a representation of someone concept of existence and has been produced in such format that it can be read/views by other people. Without media we would be very limited to our view of the world. Media helps give us a wider understanding and helps create our opinions. Media is produced and then viewed by an audience.

Film Production Roles/Areas

Writer

The job of a writer (or screenwriter) is to create a screenplay of the film which will be used by the producer, the director and the cast. The screenplay should allow the person viewing it to imagine what the film should look like.

Producer

The producers have ultimate control over what happens in the film. The producer is accountable for the final outcome of the film. They ensure that the film is always heading in the right direction and is going to be completed on time. Producers approve on the location of the studio and set etc. At the end of the film they help with the distribution of the film.

Casting Director

In pre-production the casting director must assemble a perfect cast for the film. It is vital that they have a good knowledge of current actors. They must consider the actors ability, experience, reputation and box office appeal.

Director

Directors are responsible for turning the written script into an actual image and sound on the screen. They are held responsible for the films commercial and artistic success or failure.

Film Finance

Determining the potential value of the film in the stage before the pre-production. This is basically a forecast of the potential revenue

Camera Operator

The camera operator prepares and controls the camera; they work closely with the director of photography.

Editor

Film editor’s sole job is to create the finished film which is ready for distribution.

Production Designer

The job of a production designer is to manage every visual aspect of the film from start to finish.

Marketing Manager

A marketing manager ensures that the film has customer awareness by promoting the product correctly.

Exhibition

Exhibition is the promotion and viewing of the film before it is released. This could be somewhere such as a film festival.

7 Areas of Representation

REPRESENTATIONS – COMMON STEREOTYPES

Moving Image Glossary

Moving Image Glossary from MissCTurner

Representation of Age - Skins by bontoft

Representation

I was born in Leicester in the Leicester Royal Infirmary on the 5th March 1998. I currently live in Narborough, Leicester. When not going to school I enjoy watching Leicester City as they are my local team who I have grew up supporting. I enjoy listening to music and prefer bands such as The Stone Roses and Joy Division. The music I listen to and the clothes I wear are influenced by my love for football. Mainly I wear brands such as Fred Perry, Levi's, Lyle & Scott, Adidas trainers and many more. Other brands associated with the football casual culture are Stone Island, Pretty Green, CP Company, MA.Strum etc.

I wouldn't say that I base the clothes I wear on a particular celebrity or celebrities but the likes of Noel & Liam Gallagher and Ian Brown dress with the same influences and tastes as me. Liam Gallagher also owns the clothing brand Pretty Green.

According to the UK Tribes website I would associate myself with the 'New Casuals' culture although I think that it isn't accurate to the casual culture. The casual culture I would put myself in is one that enjoys going to the football and takes pride in wearing designer brands.Below is a picture of me at a Leicester City match in 2014. In the picture I am wearing Levis jeans and a Fred Perry poloshirt. My friend is also wearing Levis jeans with a MA.Strum jacket.

5x5

Top 5 bands

1. The Stone Roses (Key songs – I Wanna Be Adored & Sally Cinnamon)

2. Joy Division (Key Songs – Transmission & She’s Lost Control)

3. Oasis (Key Songs – Columbia & Supersonic)

4. Palma Violets (Key Songs – Best Of Friends & Tom The Drum)

5. The Libertines (Key Songs – What A Waster & What Became Of The Likely Lads)

All the bands fit into the Alternative Rock genre or very similar genres. The majority of bands are inspired by the 80s/Madchester scene. Each band has their own take on the genre which gives a wide variety. Palma violets are the only band together as a they are a modern day band with an 80s feel.

Top 5 Films

1. Spike Island – Film based on of the most influential and successful band, England has seen, The Stone Roses. A group of lads want to experience the once in a lifetime oppurtunity of seeing The Stone Roses live.

2. The Firm – A Young wannabe Football Casual gets himself involved in one of the country’s most notorious Firms.

3. Green Street – The Film gives a look at the brutal side of football. One of the most well known films of its type and the best out of the 3 Green Street films.

4. The Inbetweeners Movie – The film in my opinion is the funniest film I’ve ever watched and a great follow on from such a successful TV series.

5. Superbad – Comical from start to finish. Features some great actors such as Jonah Hill and Seth Rogan.

Top 5 TV Programmes

1. Prison Break - Gripping series which is consistent throughout. Michael Scofield creates a plan to save his brother from prison who has been sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit

2. Breaking Bad – Great storyline but becomes very boring in the middle. Walter White, a chemistry teacher, resorts to cooking meth to pay for the treatment of his cancer and to also financially support his family with the help of a former student.

3. Big Bang Theory – Very different from usual TV series. Room mates and science enthusiasts 

4. Luther – Great British series featuring Idris Elba.

5. Whitechapel – Number of crimes committed by a killer replicating Jack The Ripper. Based on factual information which for me makes it more interesting. 

Top 5 Albums

1. The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses - Their debut album was released in 1989, this was their most successful album featuring some of their most well known songs such as "I am the resurrection" &        "I wanna be adored"

2. Oasis – Definitely Maybe - Oasis' debut album but also one of many. Features some of my favourite songs such as "Columbia" & "Supersonic"

3. Palma Violets – 180 - Palma Violets album which was released in 2013. Sounds like many other of my favourite bands but recorded in this decade which shows promise for the return of the music genre. 

4. The Jam – The Gift - Released in 1982, it was one of The Jam's most successful albums. Great sounding tracks throughout.

5. Joy Division – Unknown Pleasure - Produced by the legendary post punk band Joy Division. This album was the first to be released in the wave of Post Punk in the UK in 1979

 Top 5 Comedians

1. Frankie Boyle – “It’s true what they say about fruit being good for constipation. I got my phone bill from Orange this morning and I literally did shit myself”

2. Lee Evans – “Then there's that woman, you know, I was on my way to work when I slipped over accidentally on purpose!"

3. Kevin Bridges – “It must be pretty surreal being prince Harry and William on a stag night, Just you and your mates stuffing pictures of your gran into lap dancers bras”

4. Ed Byrne – “Learning to dislike children at an early age saves a lot of expense and aggravation later in life”

5. Peter Kay – “I saw six men kicking and punching the mother-in-law. My neighbour said 'Are you going to help?' I said 'No, Six should be enough“