Friday, 26 April 2013

Media Evaluation


Media Evaluation 


From December 2012, I have been working on a 2-minute introduction for my television series. The narrative is about a distraught young man seeking revenge following the murder of his best friend, which is common in gang related violence in the British society.  I decided to work with Silver Line Productions who have created programmes that have appealed to a young audience.

I found 5 television programmes, 2 of which were pre-watershed and 3 that were post-watershed. While watching these shows I made comparisons and discovered that they all had elements of action and thriller, this featured scenes of car racing, people fighting and violence. I also noticed that post-watershed programmes had more of an advantage to include other elements such as strong language, sexual content, frequent scenes of very strong violence and drug use. I feel my programme would lose a sense of realism, as it would not imitate the typical urban drama that teenagers are used to watching. There would no strong language, or the use of recreational drugs, or sexual content featured in my programme. I wanted my programme to inform and educate the audience on gang and knife culture, which is an important issue that affects many teenagers today in the British society and felt that this would help raise awareness. My drama will also be appealing due to the action packed thriller included entertainment purposes. As a result of following my ideology and beliefs I decided to air my programme on BBC Three as they also have a mission to inform, educate and entertain by featuring documentaries and drama which attracts their young audience. For my audience research I created a focus group and pitched my ideas to them and got feedback. Some of the comments made from the focus group, were to include actors from a different age range who are to make the programme or realist and more appealing to more teenagers. The title need to be changed to “The Devil’s Playground” instead of ‘My Loving Heart” Feedback suggested “My Loving Heart” would have mislead the audience into believing it was romantic short film instead of an urban teen drama. Lastly another comment made was to include more female characters and attract more female viewers as it has a dominant male cast.


I decided to target the a demographic class of C2, D, and E are the semi-skilled, educated I felt my storyline will be appealing to males between the ages of 14-25 as they can relate to some of the events occurred in the programme. However BBC Three targets AB and C1 these include people who are skilled and educated professionals. The series not only is targeted for my audience for entertainment purpose but it will also inform and educate them on the gang related violence which is apart of British society today, an on-going issue with great impact with today’s youths. Young people are attracted to a certain lifestyle of riches and designer clothes and my programme will reflect the brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Hermes. These brands are not affordable to these youths but will feature affordable brands like Duffer, Nike, and Adidas. I know my audience will have watched programmes such as Top Boy and My Murder because of the relatable concepts as they would have had a mainstream audience. Many people have talked about these programmes stating that they were dramatically appealing and had a great storyline. One thing I would have done differently is to include more women in the programme. Blumberg and Katz: user and gratification: this is targeted at those who hare want to be secure in life they want to be safe from those on the street. As a result of this I have lost the female audience as they felt the show was more appealing to males and also thought that I was portraying the wrong message about females.

Youths are represented as violent and dysfunctional with some having anger management issues and has little effort in their academics studies but aspires to succeed in life by getting rich off music, acting and sports. Because of the high unemployment rate, society will think negatively of them suggesting they cause a nuisances within their community, get in to trouble with the law and dealership and misuse of drugs which is a stereotype which also leads to the theory of moral panic (Stuart Hall) as the media created a dominant reading on teenager misbehaviour. I reinforced into using a black males, this was done deliberately as I wanted to give the audience what they have stereotypically though of black males causing trouble and submitted into a gang I personally feel that in the black community there is a major media focus on “black on black” violence with the youths of today and felt this would be appropriate to use in my story. And I feel I am judge on the colour of my skin and stereotyped to be a dysfunctional person. But on the other hand I also wanted to include other ethnicities to reach out to all races among the targeted audience and included 1 Asian, 1 Mixed-Race and 2 Black males.

The Internet has become easier to access using smartphones, tablets and laptops, which is used for social networking, research and other things. This has become apart of general life today amongst young people. I learnt that I have a young audience who use e-media site to communicate and socialise with their peers and though this would be ideal to use this to promote my programme more productively. As well as having T.V adverts I would create a page on Facebook and Twitter that will include trailers, behind the scene videos, biographies on different characters, competitions and link to charities such as The St. Giles Trust and The Safe Network, some youth centres also offer workshops to support people who are in gangs or being pressured in to joining one. The services offers 1-to-1 meeting with mentors which help identify the reasons why that have chosen the paths they have and also find different activities to help motivate and steer away from joining gangs. The NHS and other organisations also offer counselling support on bereavement and ager management.

The scene of Tyler being stabbed was one of the hardest scenes for me to do, which was due to the timing, lighting and editing, as it was a non-linear scene. The recording of the scene was unable to brighten up when using the editing suite and also found the continuity of the story was not effective. In this scene I applied Propp’s theory as the protagonist hero was waiting for his friend. His friend then decides to go home leaving the hero own his own. To set the conflict between the characters I used Todorov theory. The villains confront the helper causing disequilibrium. The helper has been having a relationship with the villain’s girlfriend and at the end; the helper is stabbed by the villain, creating an enigma code (Barthes) for the audience.



The scene of Anthony going to the graveyard I felt it was one of the most effective scenes. This was due the shots I achieved, this is including different background shots of the area, the atmosphere particularly the weather, this had a great effective has it was a cloudy day which reflects on the actor’s emotions which enabled him to delivered a good performance. The lighting was also adequate on this day. The grey colours in the frame connote, sadness, depression and anger and collaborated well with the scene. When editing and placed all the scene in order it was continual to the story. I set the auto-contrast on scene as it looked more natural and set the genre as it felt like it had the ‘urban London look” to the story.

To produce my magazine I used Adobe Photoshop to publish my magazine. The captured a close up imagine of the protagonist’s face and imputed text of their name in bold fonts to stand out from the black and white contrast. The magazine also featured a double page spread about the upcoming actor’s performance in “The Devil’s Playground” and also gave his view on gang culture in today’s society. I wanted to use the black and white contrast as a reflection of the protagonist’s emotions. They layout and structure of text and imagery is easy to read and understand. One of the things I found difficult when using Adobe Photoshop was that the text would not fit at the front of the page due to the size of the front, solving this problem I thought that if I reduced the size of the masthead I would be able to fit the on the page. I had to change the font of the text to make this easier for the reader. One of the codes and convention on the main imagine, if it is appealing, this will act as a magnet for readers to want to purchase a copy.


Also I include a title of the television drama in the programme at the end of it, as it informs the audience what the drama is called and the scenes before it show what the narrative is about. However when look back at some of the shot I took for my programme, I was very disappointed at myself as I could of done and produced better shot to show the narrative of the programme. I also had to find the right parallel sound to blend in with each scene, as it’s very important as it expresses the emotions of the actor.

I felt that I meet some elements of the original brief such as the print and some aspects of the 2-minute introduction but though I could have done better on the introduction. The house and graveyard scene was the two that I put the most effort into due to the cinematography and the editing, I thought I did very well on this. I feel that my product will be successful in the media market as it as a good narrative that many people can relate to and will be appealing to my young targeted audience.

Words count: 1697 

Sunday, 14 April 2013

Easter Holiday


Call of Duty 

Media Forms: What codes and conventions does the trailer use to establish the text’s genre?

The genre of the call of duty trailer is an action game, as you can see the trailer feature many props like the guns, the blood, cars and cars blowing up and the bombs which all creates a mood and set the genre of the trailer. With all of these convention creates a mood for the audience with the icon and the setting (CLAMPS) show how all of this come together to show this genre. (Barthes Theory).The trailer use lot of POV shot to show the audience how to play and what they’ll see but however it also creates show a way on how war is in real life, it not bird eye view or long shot, it’s a point of view shot and create a mood and setting for the audience like there are in a war zone. Another code and convention is that the soldiers running about and stay together like its was a real war zone battle field, also the clothes and helmets look very real, so it show a lot of realism.  
 
Media Representations: How is war represented in the trailer?

The trailer has a negative and bad representation of war as it show war as a dangerous and gruesome place to be, as we see many soldiers die, blood squashing out, bombs, guns, everyone shooting, having a tensed mood and dangerous places, by doing this it will show the audience on how soldiers live out there and what they have to do and a idea on what war is like. As a result, could create more people to buy guns and act violence at people in real life.    
 
Media Institutions: In what ways is the trailer typical of the video game industry?

The trailer is typical of a video game industry as the trailer has many animations and graphic within the trailer, in the trailer, there is fast pace and loud music which engage the audience to look at and watch the trailer as it keep you going. Also, the voice over of the main character and the narrators it’s very effective because normal with voice over there a background story to it, so it the audience going and still with the trailer.  The audience would be more interested in finding out about what the game would be like, therefore by showing the different elements in this trailer would keep them engaged and entertained.

Media Audiences: Who does this text appeal to and what pleasures does it offer?

This text will appeal to mostly males between the ages of 14 – 30 years old, because boys mainly enjoy playing these types of war and action games with others, by themselves and online. The call of duty trailer mostly appeal to teenagers and young adults via the convention which feature in the trailer like the violence, guns, the blood and the strong language, and these are the different types of thing that teenagers like and appeal from. For the demographic and psychographic class, this trailer will fall in to the group of C2, D and C1 as these people are aspires as they want to follow and be in those footsteps, they are not leader, they do what everyone doing, also the Xbox console cost a lot of money to buy so not many people can afford to buy the console, epically the people in the E group for demographic.     

Guardian News Advert
 
Media Forms: What techniques does the ad use to persuade the audience to consume the Guardian
The advert mirrors the tale of the three little pigs, which would make people nostalgic and identify with the advert (uses and grafitcations).Furthermore, the advert contains humour. The use of using a tablet shows that the guardian is available on e-media, and thus would attract a younger demographic. The trailer uses a lot of inter textually for the concept as it highlights and show the comments for the reader in the trailer and use it to place around in the setting, for example I there a shot where a man  walking in to the house and their is writing of the general public comments on the wall, so it very effective because  

 
Media Institution: What issues of new technology does this ad raise and what does it tell us about the values of The Guardian? And Representation: How is the news represented in the advert?

The news is represented by show how new technology has shown people views and opinion, as more people can use their computer and their smart phone to accuse much social networking like twitter and YouTube to show their opinion and views about the issues which happened This is effective in showing that technology has become more modern and advanced over the years. With doing this it creates a viral spends to everyone around and it very fast for people to get this information and views from people. So, it very world wide. The issues Is that technology is now up to date and modern as many people have the internet on their phones, so it more advance and popular for many people. 




Sunday, 17 March 2013

TED PEB



TED




Print
The film poster: Ted, The main image cover must of the film poster, it show two characters, one human and one bear urinating in a public toilet, the human on the left is giving us a relief like posture which could connote that this comedy. The main image is a long shot of both characters, showing both characters body and their feature; this could connote that how different both characters are between each other. It giving us representation that it connotes a fantasy film as it is shown a live bear doing human activity. One human like icons is the bear urinating and holding a beer bottle at the same time, which could connote that the bear could be drunk, or hangover and need to do at the same time (drinking and urinating).They way how both characters are doing the same thing (urinating) at the same time, could connote that there is a sight sign of bromance, love and friendship


The film poster is very interesting because the male on the left is in a urinating position and would put some the audience off. (Mostly Girl because women wouldn't like that type of pose, it private mate. Some males would find it funny because they can relate with type of action.) But women can narrate with soft smooth bears, when normally given to as a present or a gift. However, see a bear urinating can change people ideas and can make both gender laugh.

The background of the main image has very dull colours, this could connote that movie is not very sociable to watch and might be boring to the audience. Or it can connote the toilet are a dull place to be for a character but also be funny or entertaining for the audience. The setting of the main image is set in the male toilet; we can see that by the male urinate on the wall in the image. This suggest that it normality and causal.
The masthead at the top of the film poster is in green to stand out and attract the audience. At the top it has a Tagline it says from the creator of ‘Family Guy’. Family Guy’s fan base and the views of family guy would be very appealed because family guy is a fantasy comedy with a normal family, talking dog and a lot of stereotype, which could connote that TED and Family Guy have familiar aspects. This show how both movie and TV shows are associated and linked together. The green lettering behind the white background determines the normality and nature of the film. The way how they have the actors name above the main title, which could connote how important the actors are in the media industry. If the names are at the top, all the actors can bring a fan base which can bring in a bigger audience.The target audience is 14-35 age as they have mostly appeared to this type of film, the demographic and the psychographic is that mainstream and the B,C C1, C2 and D.     
  


Broadcast


Ted was promoted thought Broadcast media (TV/Radio/DVD) by featuring their film concept in all different way for broadcast media around the world. One way how Ted was promoted the DVD release of the film was by Ted on the Jimmy Kimmel show having a interview with him, talking about the film, actors, directors and maybe a sequels of Ted the film, (TED 2) and the Distributed, also showing why people should buy the DVD as it has some scenes from the film and more delete scenes on the DVD.  TED  was on the Jimmy Kimmel show in December  talking about the TED  film and telling people to to go out a purchase the DVD. Moreover, TED and the other actors like Mila Kunis has been promoting his film by having many interviews via the TV and the radio, promoting the film release and the DVD release, so many people don’t forget to go out a watch the film and purchase the DVD.

http://www.tedisreal.com/

The website of the film is very good, as it contain many pictures and videos on the side and on the background on the website. this will get the audience a chance to take out some of the key feature of the film like finding out information about the film, actors, directors, studio company. also the website has many links on where the audience can buy the DVD of the film, so the audience don't forget to get the DVD which has many scenes and have a chance to watch Ted at any time. in the corner of the website page has a link where the audience can check out about the main distributor so they can see seeker videos of all the films coming out in the future, on their website and many links on Facebook,YouTube and Twitter.  TED is a Hollywood movie; one of the reasons is the institution of the movie Universal Studios are a huge media company and the actor’s names are very famous and bring a big fan base and audience.




Wednesday, 13 March 2013

focus Group


I learnt a lot of things from my focus groups as it help and improve many of the ideas I first thought of at the beginning for my production. In my focus groups, I was told that it would even be better if I add more female characters in the production. I think it a good idea adding more characters later on in the production but it only two minutes and I need to talk about the issues and events which happen in the production before but shown as a flash back at the beginning, which this will go with the storyline. I also learnt that my TV show is targeted at only male and not have a female audience, but I think it doesn’t because it has a female character in it, like Top Boy and Kidulhood both have certain limit of female characters in a main male film. But I think that having a female character we will gain more female viewing. Moreover, many people thought that I said change the timing and day of the show, as they thought I should change to Wednesdays at 8.00 because of pre watershed TV shows, such as Waterloo Road which has success which can bring in a wide target audience from show, also eastenders isn’t on, on this day, however I think if I show it on the Thursday it better because the audience from eastenders is mostly teenagers who will like these types of shows, urban, British shows. During the focus group it came across that our name seemed quite weird. I believe that this name suites the concept of my idea, as the focus group did not understand where we was coming from, as they do not know why we have named the TV show the my loving heart, so the name of the show I might have to change because people might not get the concept. The first two minutes in need to get the audience engaged quickly and get them hooked. This will then make the viewer want to carry on watching the rest of the series. And the audience would want to know what will happen to the characters at the end.

Monday, 11 March 2013

LR media Exam


  LR - Media Exam 11- March 2013
      WWW. Good Overview of the text & its audience
     LR. Actually answer the question, cover the three platforms, compare them, Write three paragraph on this.
        
  E-Media
   
        Some the ways how the media products are similar  to by the Facebook, twitter and the Ill Manor website. As, Ill manor uses convergence can accuse their website and fans pages by using in apps on their laptops and smart phones and even their tables. Moreover, the audience uses UGC to interacted with the film and the actors like fans videos, comments on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter as they are popular and social networking site which has over billion views everyday. Also Ill Manor has used synergy to promote their film toward their audience as they use a music soundtrack and places this onto YouTube and many people fans of Plan B's  work will check out the video, also it easier and cheaper to places it on the YouTube as it wouldn't cost a lot of money to make and do unlike print media and their are more people within this platform. 
       
 Print     

       Some the ways how the media products are similar is that ill manor well – known newspapers, magazines, and billboard of around the country, newspaper and magazines will place the ill manors concept in their issues and articles when the film is coming out and when it been released as it a way to have a relationship with the fans that liked the film, want to know more about the film like background and actors and also find view and opinion about the ill manors. With print media it is an easy way to cross promote their film (synergy).

    Billboard 

    Some the ways how the media products are similar is that ill manor and Plan B uses have created many way to promote their film, some of the ways are that ill manor have create a film trailer of their film to be aired for their audience at a certain time due to it being a 18 scheduling, also having featured their advert in many different other films on the DVD, this is from the Distributed same company, by doing this it gives the ideas audience on what they’ll liking and type of film it is. Moreover, Plan B has been promoting his film by having many interviews via the TV and the radio, promoting the film release and the DVD release, so many people don’t forget to go out a watch the film and purchase the DVD.


Sunday, 10 March 2013

TED


TED 


Ted is a comedy fantasy about a young boy who has no friends and one Christmas he wishes for his teddy bear to come live, this wish come true and the bear become a real person, which now the teddy bear and john are now best friends and have been like that for over 25 years. However john find himself a girlfriend, which they have been like this for four year and now she want the relationship to get better with john’s best friend Ted.  So Ted has to move out of the house and get a job for himself, meanwhile, a man and his son are obsessed with the Ted the talking bear and decide to kidnap him for themselves.

  Director –

  Seth Macfarlane

   Produced -

    Seth MacFarlane
    Scott Stuber
   John Jacobs
   Jason Clark
  Starring –
  Mark Wahlberg
  Mila Kunis
  Seth Macfarlane
  Joel McHale
  Giovanni Ribisi 


Studio and Distributor

Media Rights Capital

Fuzzy Door Production

Smart Entertainment

Bluegrass Film
Universal Pictures

Release date June 12th
Running Time 106 


http://www.tedisreal.com

TED is a Hollywood movie; one of the reasons is the institution of the movie Universal Studios are a huge media company and the actor’s names are very famous and bring a big fan base and audience. The Website has many links of where you can but the DVD, gallery and information about the film like the film, released date and the trailer, as it gives the Audience a understanding, knowledge and background on how the movie was made, the cast background and etc.


The difference is that it cost more to make, better actor, better companies as they have more money and better people working within Hollywood, a difference is that ill manor only cost 100,000 pounds and Ted cost 50,00000 dollars  so it costed at lot of money via the production team and the actors and the distributor.  

a similar is that both film both film are based on two ideology  




The film website and poster: Ted, The main image cover must of the film website, it show two characters, one human and one bear urinating in a public toilet, the human on the left is giving us a relief like posture which could connote that this comedy. The main image is a long shot of both characters, showing both characters body and their feature; this could connote that how different both characters are between each other. 

It giving us representation that it connotes a fantasy film as it is shown a live bear doing human activity. One human like icons is the bear urinating and holding a beer bottle at the same time, which could connote that the bear could be drunk, or hangover and need to do at the same time (drinking and urinating).They way how both characters are doing the same thing (urinating) at the same time, could connote that there is a sight sign of bromance, love and friendship.the film website is very interesting because the male on the left is in a urinating position and would put some the audience off. 


The background of the main image has very dull colours, this could connote that movie is not very sociable to watch and might be boring to the audience. Or it can connote the toilet are a dull place to be for a character but also be funny or entertaining for the audience. The setting of the main image is set in the male toilet; we can see that by the male urinate on the wall in the image. This suggest that it normality and causal.
The masthead at the top of the film website is in green to stand out and attract the audience. At the top it has a Tagline it says from the creator of ‘Family Guy’. Family Guy’s fan base and the views of family guy would be very appealed because family guy is a fantasy comedy with a normal family, talking dog and a lot of stereotype, which could bring a big fan base and audience 


Trailer