AS Media Studies Foundation Production: September 2016

Sunday, 25 September 2016

Monday, 19 September 2016

Theories- Toy Story

Propp's Character Roles

This theory follows the idea that all of the characters in a film of any genre generally follow these 8 character roles. These include the villain, who causes disruption in the narrative. The hero who restores equilibrium in the narrative. The donor who gives something to aid the hero on their journey, this can be something physical like a weapon or even magic. The helper who also aids the hero, they often accompany them on their journey. The princess who needs saving by the hero, the father figure and the dispatcher who sends the hero o their journey. Finally the false hero, this is a character who appears to be good throughout the film until they are revealed to be bad.

Hero- Woody
Villain- Sid
Donor- Sid's toys
Dispatcher- Andys toys
Father- Andy
Princess- Bo
The Helper- The aliens
False hero- Buzz

Binary opposites

This is when two ideas which have related terms are put together to contrast both of the ideas. For example good and evil.

Bad vs. good
Active vs. Passive
Woody vs. Buzz
Utopia vs. Dystopia

Todorov's Equilibrium theory

This is the theory that every film follows the same narrative structure in order to create an interesting story and intrigue the audience.
1)It begins with the state of balance (equilibrium)
2) Then the disruption of this equilibrium as a result of an event or character ( disequilibrium)
3) Recognition of the disruption (resolution)
4) Attempting to repair the disruption
5) The new equilibrium

1. Woody begins as leader of the toys
2. Buzz arrives as the 'better' toy
3. Sid takes woody and buzz using 'the claw' and intends to destroy them
4. Woody and Buzz construct a plan and escape from Sid
5. Woody and Buzz become friends, both leading the toys in Andy's new home

Uses and Gratifications

This theory is used to explain why we consume different forms of media, there are 5 main reasons for this.
Information- In order to gain insight into current affairs
Learning- e.g documentary- to gain knowledge
Personal identity- To watch roles models in order to identify
Social interaction- Connecting with society
Entertainment- Escapism

Toy story is used by the audience as a source of entertainment- as an escape into a different reality/ fantasy.
It may also be used for social interaction as it can be discussed with others in society.

Monday, 12 September 2016

Evaluation

The piece of media I have looked into is the 'Where is the love?' music video, which is a remake of the 2003 version released by the Black Eyed Peas. I have chosen to look at this as it is an important, influential piece of media which delivers current issues in a unique way as opposed to through the news.

The music video has a very serious message about war and violence, however also promotes a united society. The video has achieved this through the vast amount of celebrities involved, including Kendall Jenner and Justin Timberlake. These celebrities increase the popularity and support for the video as it is uncommon to see many celebrities in one video, suggesting that it has been created for a special cause. The celebrities are also idolised by the audience and therefore influence people's attitudes towards war by demonstrating their support.

On the one hand, the close up, eye level shots used throughout the video are important in allowing the audience to clearly recognise celebrities they know. However, it is also important in portraying the emotions of sadness and seriousness, which supports the message behind the video. The close up being eye level makes it more effective as it intends to make the audience feel closer connected to the celebrity shown on screen. Continuing on camera angles, the high angled shot looking down on a group is effectively used to show the audience has power as they are positioned looking over those on screen, suggesting that the audience have the capability to help those and make a difference to the lives which have been devastated by war.

The music video has no specific target audience as there are no stereotypical aspects which suggest that it is targeted towards a certain gender. For example the colour of the music video is black and white which is very simplistic and gender neutral. Although, I believe it is targeted towards a younger audience as they would be familiar with the song from its initial release in 2003. Stereotypically, younger people watch music videos as a source of entertainment; however this video has a bigger influence on society as it is also very informative and allows a younger audience to receive information in an alternative form of media as opposed to the news.

The music video is unique as it’s simplistic and minimalist with a serious message. It also, unlike other music videos, is not used entirely as entertainment and nothing is glamorised in the video to increase interest and popularity. Shocking images, such as that of the boy washed up on the beach, are effective as it makes the video more relevant and relatable.

Friday, 2 September 2016

Summer Task 4- Media Institutions

The Big Six:

90% of the US media is controlled by six companies, the media included varies across film , television, radio and magazines

Comcast: Other companies owned includes-

NBC, Telemundo, Universal Pictures, Focus Features- cable networks: USA network, Bravo, The Weather Channel ,CNBC, Univesal HD, Golf channel. They also own Philadelphia flyers

The secret life of pets -An example of a film produced by Universal Pictures,owned by Comcast. This film was release on the 8^th of July 2016 in the US with a gross profit of $353,340,185 and an estimated budget of $75,000,000. The advertisng campaign for The secret life of pets included a collaboration with Sky Broadband where short teaser clips of the film are included within their own advertisement.

The Walt Disney Company: Other companies owned-

ABC television network, ESPN, Disney Channel, 30 radio stations, music, video games and book publishing companies. Production companies including Touchstone, Marvel Entertainment, Walt Disney Pictures, Lucasfilm, Pixar Animation Studios

The BFG- An example of a production by Walt Disney Pictures. It was released on 1^st of July 2016 in the US with a gross profit of $54,319,626 and budget of $140,000,000. The film is directed by Steven Spielberg who is very well known from other films such as Jurassic Park, using well known directors from the industry may then create intrest from those who recognise the name from a film they have previously enjoyed. To promote the release of The BFG the company Entertainment One set up 50 ‘dream jars’ around London.

21^st Century Fox: Other companies includes-

Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox news Channel, National Geographic, FX, Fox Sports, New York Post, HarperCollins, 20^th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight Pictures and Blue sky Studios.

Deadpool- An example of a 20^th Century Fox production released on the 12^th February 2016. Its gross profit was $363,024,263and the estimated budget for the film was $58,000,000. The film also starred famous actor, Ryan Reynolds, known from his similar role in The Green Lantern. The advertising campaign for the film was primarily focussed on Social Media, sharing interviews and videos with the targeted audience.

Time Warner: Other companies include-

CNN, HBO, Cinemax, Cartoon Network,truTV, Turner Classic movies,Warner Bros Pictures, DC Comics, New Line Cinema.

Suicide squad- A Warner Bros production, released on the 5^th of August 2016 in the US. Its gross profit was $285,462,545 and it had an estimated budget of $175,000,000. It also starred well known actors such as Will Smith. The advertising campaign included several releases of teaser trailers and images posted on social media.

Viacom: Other companies include-

MTV,Nickelodeon,VH1, BET, Comedy Central, Paramount Pictures and Paramount home entertainment

Star Trek Beyond- A Paramount Pictures production, released on the 22^nd of July 2016. An estimated budget of $185,000,000 and profit of $150,891,580. The advertising campaign for the film included partnerships with companies such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise

CBS Corporation: Other companies owned-

CBS TV Network, Showtime, CBS Radio, CBS television Studios, book publisher Simon & Schuster.

Summer task 3- Representation

Discuss the role media plays in shaping our views and opinions on any one group in our society. Is this representation positive or negative?

The media has an apparent influence on the opinions of those in our society. These opinions and views can be formed easily through the manipulation and presentation of media; then targeted towards a specific group in society, for example, women and the representation of gender.

Women can be seen to be both marginalised and stereotyped across a variety of media platforms, including magazines/newspapers, advertising and TV/film. Many platforms are used to represent women like this so these stereotypes can reach mass audiences and therefore have more influence in people’s views and opinions. One example of this can be seen on page three of the Sun newspaper, where images of topless women had been published. To have these images published in a newspaper is extremely disrespectful and degrading for women, suggesting the only thing desirable about them is their body, overlooking intelligence and talent. With these images being seen in a well known newspaper like ‘The Sun’, it may encourage people to hold disrespectful or misogynistic views over women. This implies that the media’s influence is having negative impacts on the attitudes to groups in society. Despite this, recent improvements were made in the media, after much effort it was decided to discontinue page three in 2015, showing an increase in the respect of women.

Furthermore, there are many examples of these attitudes shown in advertising, which does not only re-enforce the female stereotypes, but crafts the views on what an idealistic body should be. On the one hand, you may argue that the female stereotypes have no significant or harmful impact on the gender. It is common in television adverts for there to be an association between gender and the roles that they must carry out. For women, this would include domestic jobs such as cooking and cleaning, which is hence reflected in our society. Alternatively, we have the far more impactful and dangerous portrayal of women, by the media, in which women feel the desire to conform to. This is the idealistic yet unrealistic female body which can be seen across both adverts and magazines, many of which have been edited. An example of this was a billboard created by ‘Protein World’ calling out to women, with an image of a ‘perfect’ body and the caption ‘Are you beach body ready?’ Companies such as this can shape opinions on the female body with ease, however unrealistic it may be to achieve. Undoubtedly, it is not only females who are targeted by the stereotypical and body perfect adverts; many portray males as strong, brave and dominant with the ideal physique, these traits can also be seen in male characters in TV shows/films. The media’s impact proves both negative and dangerous because both sexes begin to question if their bodies are desirable, or if they conform to their gender traits, resulting in a massive impact in our society. Similarly to page three, efforts were made to ban this ‘beach body’ advert, with a petition signed by 70,000, this was achieved.

Overall, the media’s influence on the opinions of women and gender representation has extremely negative impacts on our society. The media are preserving female stereotypes that are no longer relevant in today’s society. Equality has progressed meaning that women have become more than just pretty, domestic housewives. However, despite societies efforts the media persist to plaster magazines with demoralising images, which increases negativity in how society and females themselves view their social position. It is inevitable that without media’s influence women would progress further at becoming equal and more respected in our society. However, a slight progression in attitudes has been demonstrated over recent years, banning certain media content is now deemed an unacceptable way to present women.

Thursday, 1 September 2016

Summer Task 1- Audience

Image result for male audience film posters

The 'Avengers' film poster is clearly targeted towards a male audience, this is apparent through the male dominance across the cover, with six of the seven characters seen being male. The only female role however is still being marginalized in the dark, tight outfit which has been sexualised to accentuate her body and therefore pleasing the male audience. However, the male characters are taking the dominant leads, this is demonstrated through their positioning on the cover with three males closest to the camera all resuming powerful, assertive posture, accompanied with their amour and weapons, insinuating that they are protectors. The portrayal of these characters may be appealing to a male audience as they may aspire to be like them or the mere fantasy idea of being a superhero may then prompt them to watch the film.

The genre of the film is conveyed as an action due to the violence and destruction seen in the background of the cover and the use of mise-en-scene in the props including knives, swords and guns. This is iconography of the action genre. Also males are stereotyped to enjoy the violence in an action genre more than a female.

Finally, the colour red used across the cover, unlike in a female targeted audience does not connote love or passion, however implies danger and dominance. It can be seen in the costumes of the males and contrasts against the dark background of the city and the female character. These stereotypes and male dominance seen across the film cover therefore leads the audience to deduce that the film is aimed towards males.

AS Media Studies Foundation Production