Dominant: This collage is a 'dominant' illustration of how teenagers are perceived stereotypically, especially through the media. Main stereotype themes include: drinking, smoking and crime.
My photo collages are based around the theme of women in society and how they are portrayed/what they're expected to do.
My first collage is a 'dominant' representation of what women are stereotyped to be:
DOMINANT: women should be cooking, cleaning and looking after children. Women are seen as the more weaker sex.
My second collage is an 'alternative' representation of women:
ALTERNATIVE: Women represented as successful, an icon, being wealthy and prosperous. This goes against the dominant stereotype of which women only belong at home and shouldn't be victorious. These celebrities go against the stereotype of what women should be like, as a result this makes them icons.
1) Finalised group - Jasmine, SamSam 2) Initial plans - the plan our group have decided is to go with a urban narrative which involves issues affecting today's society e.g. drinking, drugs. However, our group is going to present this from a female perspective. Our group's focus is to film the video in Central London to promote a gritty and youthly feel and so it also meets the brief (ages 15 - 35). 3) Research Blogpost Research and planning Task #2: Institution research Research E4 and BBC3 - two channels that boast a similar target audience to your brief. For EACH channel, research the following: Channel history - E4 When did it start broadcasting? E4 began transmission on 18 January 2001 at 8.30pm with a night hosted by Ali G. Any controversial moments? A programme called 'Skins' was criticised for promoting promiscuity, underage drinking and drug abuse. What genre of programmes is the channel best known for? E4 shows programmes such as The Cleveland Show, 90210, One Tree Hill, Ugly Betty, Scrubs, Rules of Engagement, The Big Bang Theory, 2 Broke Girls, Revenge, and formerly Friends. Overall the genre is mainly sitcom, teen dramas and reality tv - these genres attract many teens. Notable successes The most successful programme by far has been 'Friends' because of the long period of time it ran far. The programme was the most popular sitcom, especially in the UK. Target audience
E4 impacts holds steady very strong for 16- 34s.
E4 is the entertainment destination for a cutting edge young audience, its eccentric and witty persona and strong branding makes it a massive talking point.
Demographic breakdown - ABC1
E4 is associated with psychographic groups such as: mainstreamers - because many of the programmes are domestic values, aspirers - because many of the programmes may encourage charisma such as 90210 and explorers - because there are many genres promoted and the target audience are mainly young students.
Channel history - BBC 3 BBC 3 started in 2003, 9 February.
Criticism - In July 2010 a UK music magazine printed a letter from the pressure group Friends of Radio 3 that criticised BBC Three for having 'comedies, game shows, films and documentaries, but no arts programming at all' Notable successes The most successful programme has been 'Little Britain' and BBC 3 always show documentaries - these programmes are always on at prime time and this could be the main reason for success. A new programme, 'Some Girls', has been a success as well because it promotes teen lifestyle. Target audience
16–34-year-old age group
Demographic breakdown - ABC1 demographic
Psychographic groups - BBC 3 focuses on aspirers - because it's associated with image, appearance, charisma, persona and fashion. Succeeders - status quo and Explorers - energy - autonomy, experience, challenge, new frontiers. Brand choice highlights difference, sensation, adventure, indulgence and instant effect - the first to try new brands. (Younger - student)
Throughout the clip an urban, gritty instrumental is played to highlight how the programme is targeted at teenagers who are used to this genre of mainstream music.
Mise-en-scene:
During the clip there are some props like the music equipment in the studio to reflect how the teenagers are ambitious about making music. In today's society many young teens have pursued an interest with music and this clip reflects this accurately.
Characters:
The characters in this clip are introduced as typical enthusiastic people who are ready to work; the males are more aggressive, in a subtle way, in comparison to all of the females. The males who are introduced at the beginning of the clip are presented as being mischievous while working.
Setting:
The majority of the clip takes place in a professional photography studio to present how a photo shoot is taking place, then it moves to a music studio. The settings reflect the work ethic of the characters who are pursuing their ultimate dream which is to be recognised in the music industry.
Top Boy
Editing:
During the clip there are many elements of fast-paced editing when the two kids are running away after shoplifting. This creates tension and is vital as it represents how young kids are influenced by crime and are getting into gangs at very young ages.
Characters:
The characters range from young kids, teens and adults who are all part of a London gang. The clip shows how each of the types of characters contribute to the group and how their roles are played. The ages of the characters is vital because it portrays how young kids/teens main focus is to do with crime and the younger generation as the main ones who are associated with gangs.
Narrative:
The narrative focuses on dodgy deals or committing crimes. For example, two young kids are in trouble for shoplifting.
Setting:
The setting of the whole clip is shot in London where crime levels are the most. The urban and gritty feel symbolises how the youth who live in this part live their lives and how majority of the youth are influenced by gangs.
Sound:
The opening of the clip uses diegetic sound when the conversation between the men take place. However, when the clip moves onto the clips in the store running away, non-diegetic sound it used. The music is an upbeat, urban instrumental to reinforce the pace the kids are running away at. This creates an adrenaline rush.
Pretty Little Liars
The opening scene presents an establishing shot introducing all the characters. From the characters point of the view and from their eye it takes the scene into the future where something has occurred and this is all filmed in a fast motion which gives the affect of the audience getting to see many different things at once. The drama then ends with a fighting scene which shows all the characters slowly and the audience is able to visualize that all of them look terrified and scared which creates enigma. The director uses many different types of media angles and shots to represent the character and from this the audience can get to see the characters in a more and better way. The camera then focus upon one character trying to introduce her Separately with a close-up and from this the audience is able to see her facial expressions and from her facial expressions and the way she is talking the audience can connote she might be a mean character.
Eastenders
Camera shots:
Firstly at the start of the program it starts of with an establishing shot of a building in a low angle shot and from this shot it allows the audience to see the setting where the drama is going to be set and lets the audienceconnote what society it is in. Their is then a close-up of the train going by connoting that the show is set near a station. The director then takes a fade cut after introducing the setting to introducing on of the characters in the show with a medium-shot where it allows the audience to see its facial expressions and their costume. From looking at the firstcharacter we can foretell that he is a the villain from the clothes he is wearing and this represents him as a hood-rat in now days society. It then takes a straight cut introducing the second character showing a medium close up of her where the audience could see how she is dressed and this shows her personality.
Sound:
The sound is digetic and parallel in the beginning as the characters are running, building tension and nerves. When the couple scene starts their is too an upbeat sound as it's representing excitement and fun between the young couple. When the last scene begins their is a lot of tension and suspense involved so the music is in-line with it as it wants the audience to feel nervous too. As their is no rocky-type or upbeat but it's slow and some music involved which allows the audience to engage too.
Lighting:
The lighting used is low-key lightingcreating more shadows which makes it look more effectual and brings the sense of mystery and suspense to both the audience and the characters.
Misfits
Sound:
The sound used in this sequence is parallel sound as it is linked to what the audience are watching as for instance as the start as we see thunder signs popping up on the brick wall we can also hear thunder with it which causes as electric vibe each time something comes to the screen such as the picture of each character comes in such a way.
Lighting:
The lighting used in this opening sequence is quite dull and dramatic as it has dark colours to represent the powers that each character has. As for intense the first few seconds showing the black and white brick wall shows that it is connoting the special powers. They have used both high key lighting and low key lighting. They have used high key lighting so that it makes the sequence free from dark shadows. Also they have used low key lighting because that lighting accentuates the contours of an object by throwing areas into shade while a fill light or reflector may illuminate the shadow areas to control contrast. At the beginning of the opening sequence there is a fading of thunder signs coming on the screen then the black and white wall fades out to the next scene and then when the characters are shown the wipe into the screen one by one presenting themselves in a unique way.
The video was a protest against pg 3 on 'the sun'. They believe that because of pg3 the representation of women in general is sex object and them not being valued naturally and covered, this makes influences the younger generation into thinking that those representation of women is normal. So they want to put a stop to pg 3.
Some of the conclusions made include:
"The men are always active not posed and the women are passive its all about how they look"
"when i look at the men side i see real life, when I look at the women side I do not see real its all manufactured"
"this is a newspaper renowned for sport and there inst a single picture of a women doing sport"
"the only older women on there are women on mobility scooters, the Queen and Mrs Brown"
"there is a range on emotions on the mens side, the women are mainly smiling or pouting"
I agree with these conclusions, it shows bodies that are not natural which are mostly plastic surgery and make most women feel bad about themselves instead of being proud of what they have. Pg 3 defeats the equality that many women fought for over centuries but creates this representation of sex objects that are incapable of the achievements that men can do.
This article is about female gamers being harassed by the male gamers, this is mainly due the the avatars that are available to female players, these avatars are very sexual and half naked.
This is an article about women representation in the popular game GTA5, women are mostly presented as vulnerable prostitutes or sex objects, this article suggests that this game was made to make men more dominate and exploit women
This article is about a women who walked 10hrs in new york city with casual wear, she was verbally harassed 108 times excluding wolf whistles and winks, and another man followed her for an hour. this suggests that women are not respected even in everyday situations due to the representations of women created in the media.
Task The task was to create a 30 second video clip
which involved filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a
room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with who she/he
then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. The clip should demonstrate match
on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180-degree
rule. As this was a preliminary task mistakes were acceptable so we could
learn from them when filming the real thing. Our video was based on a
schoolgirl being pressured into undergoing a dodgy deal for a friend. She is
pressurised and feels anxious when being asked to complete the task. The video
clip was filmed in school and was shot in a classroom mainly. The purpose of
this was to reinforce the school setting. The first few shots were
all continuous shots to show the schoolgirl's journey going to the
classroom – this includes shots of walking up the stairs (close up of shoes,
medium shot from behind) and then she exchanges dialogue with her friend, this
is where she tells her friend she has completed the secret undercover mission.
WWW There was good use of match on action
when the schoolgirl opens and closes the door. The timing is well and it flows
together when watching it in time. The clip met with the brief perfectly - showing
a character opening a door (a schoolgirl opening the door to enter the
classroom), crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite
another character and then exchanging dialogue. The clip was high
quality so brightness wasn’t an issue despite the focus going out for a few
shots. The dialogue which was exchanged between the characters was clear.
The narrative was a good idea as it matched the setting perfectly – e.g. being
pressured by a school mate in a classroom. This created a more realistic feel.
EBI Improve the sound next time when filming and
to accurately follow the 180-degree rule when filming next
time in the future. The audio sounded fuzzy sometimes because we were experiencing some technical issues with the microphone. Now that we have completed the
preliminary exercise my group is more confident with using the equipment. Also,
some shots lost focus because of the timing and in order to prevent
this from happening in the future it's best to press the record button
then have the action taking place just a few seconds after in order to
avoid losing focus. In addition, more footage was needed in order let the
editing run smoothly and not let the action feel rushed. Some shots were
repeated and cut out – this was done because more footage was needed to meet
the brief. Moreover, a shot/reverse shot was needed and had to be filmed
efficiently to make the clip feel realistic. We slightly attempted to use a
shot/reverse shot but repeated the same shots because more footage was needed. I
also think that an effective sound bridge could have been used to match the
high school theme.
Blumler and Katz believed that some members of the public may choose to consume media texts as a source of escapism. 'EastEnders' is a prime example which allows the consumer to divert from routine as it provides entertainment for many people. The programme is dramatic and this is essential for the audience as it is used as a source of escapism.
Personal Relationships - Big Brother
Blumler and Katz believed that some people may choose to consume media texts as a tool to bond between other people. 'Big Brother' is a key example of reflecting personal relationships because it helps the audience to find a common interest and relationships with other people. For example, the audience may feel sympathetic towards a big brother contestant who seems to feel unhappy in the big brother house or even favour a contestant because they are a famous reality star. It can allow the consumer to find a sense of belonging and similarities with others.
Personal Identity - Love and Hip Hop Hollywood
Blumler and Katz believed that some people may choose to consume media texts as a source of personal identity. The consumer could choose to watch or read something that helps to reinforce self values and behaviour.For example VH1's programme 'Love and Hip Hop Hollywood' which airs in the US is a key example of reflecting personal identity. This is because the show is based around famous hip-hop celebrities and how their lives are day-to-day. This show is vital because it may help some consumers to find their personal identity and reassurance on how they want to live/what to achieve.
Surveillance - BBC News
Blumler and Katz believed that some people choose to consume media texts as a source of surveillance and information. This could be simply watching the weather report, news programmes, or any other information or fact based programme. Blumler and Katz believed that the reason people would watch these types of programmes is to ensure that they ‘stay in the loop’ with the current happenings. For example, the BBC news reflects surveillance as it provides very useful information (such a weather and news reports)
1) What do you primarily use the media for? I use the media mainly for information and to stay updated on new stories and trends, this links to the 'Uses and Gratifications' theory as it's associated with surveillance and the urge is created for wanting to know new information. The types of media I use are mainly E-Media and TV; for E-Media I use the internet for websites such as Twitter and Daily Mail Online. In addition, I also use the media for entertainment - specifically to stream TV shows from the US which are not available in the UK. By watching programmes such as 'Love and Hip Hop' or 'Breaking Bad' an emotional connection is formed with the characters along the way as the narrative develops each season (this links with creating personal relationships and diversion - an escapism from reality and routine). 2) To what extent do you feel we are dependent on the media? In today's society majority of people are reliant on the media for news and entertainment. Demographically, teenagers are the most prominent as they have access to new technology and new methods in finding out news much more efficiently. Social networking sites such as Twitter is an essential method in finding out news much quicker than on TV - this is because teenagers are constantly checking their phones. Majority of the teenagers in today's society don't really watch the news and so other sources of media are more useful than others. 3) Has our dependence on the media changed over the last 10 years? How?
Over the last ten years our dependence of media has changed increasingly because of access to new technology. The dependency theory, from 1976, claims that people are reliant of media more because it's a urge to stay informed of what's going on in the world and how the media is being promoted of developed. New technology ultimately means that it's easier and more encouraging to read the news - technology such as iPads and smartphones means that it's quicker to read the news and makes people feel more dependent on feeling the need to read the news as part of a daily routine. In comparison, dependence on media ten years ago was less due to the fact that technology wasn't advanced.
How can you link this news article to the hypodermic needle theory?
The article describes how playing video games increases aggressive behaviour, in further detail it indicates how to media are successful in influencing their audience through products (such as video games). The article states how "previous studies have revealed a single violent gaming session can increase short-term aggression", this is evidence that video games can prompt users to become more aggressive and short-tempered.
Find another online article/academic study that challenges the belief that violent video games are harmful. Provide the link and summarise its key points. What's your view on this debate?
This article suggest that playing strategic video games may improve "learning, health and social skills," as well as strengthen a range of cognitive abilities including problem solving, reasoning, memory and perception, It also states that violent video games enhance a player's capacity to think about objects in three dimensions.
In my opinion, the media over exaggerate how video games can be dangerous. Video games are created for fun and adventure. Although in some cases video games can lead to very dangerous and harmful situations, majority of the population play video games and not everyone experiences these dangerous situations. It could be argued that the people who experience these situations are usually depressed. How can you link this feature to the two-step flow model?
Jamal Edwards is the owner of SBTV, a broadcasting company that makes videos - typically music videos featuring rap and pop music stars - and puts them up on YouTube. He has over a million hits and this makes him appear as an 'opinion leader' - who influences the youth of today as they can relate to him and his content he promotes.
Identify FIVE other YouTubers who are influencing audiences.
Kingsley
Zoella
Fleur DeForce
Jenna Marbles
Janoskians
Post up links to their content and explain how they mediate information/content for their audiences.
Zoella is a popular vlogger who is well-known for posting tutorials on hair, skincare and make-up. This influences the younger teens, such as teenage girls who are interested in fashion and beauty. She has been widely recognised and have over a million hits, automatically this prompts girls to check out her posts.
Both Jenna and Kingsley are vloggers who are more comedic and focus on trending topics. They are both bubbly and voice their opinion on famous trending topics. They both engage with the youth and could ultimately influence the youth to follow their passion (e.g. vlogging)
Researchers Blumler and Katz created an audience theory in 1974 by stating that media audiences are active and make conscious choices about the way they consume media. They suggested there are four main uses or gratifications (pleasures) that audiences get from the media.
Diversion: escape from everyday problems and routine - entertainment (e.g. X Factor, I'm A Celebrity)
X Factor is a show purely based on entertainment, this engages with the audience as it is an escapism for some people as the show is very amusing.
Personal Relationships: using the media for emotional and other interaction (e.g. developing affection for characters in TV)
Keeping Up With The Kardashians is a reality TV show and influences the younger generation to become inspired by the Kardashian family and may aspire the young generation to want to be like the Kardashians - e.g. through modelling and attending high-profile events
Personal Identity: finding ourselves reflected in texts or learning behaviour and values from the media. Reality TV or documentary (Educating Yorkshire) are good examples.
The Apprentice is a good show as it relates to some people who ultimately have an interest in business. This show attracts ad niche audience and could help people to realise whether or not they have a deep interest in business.
Surveillance: Information useful for living (e.g. Weather, traffic news, holiday bargains etc.)
The Daily Mail is a popular tabloid newspaper which is up-to-date with the latest news around the world and in showbiz, sports and science.
Feedback - WWW - Some impressive, detailed answers with good reference to the clip. Plenty of media language; some theory. EBI - Editing is the major weakness, more theory required. Learner Response - Slow paced editing has been used throughout the clip to build up tension effectively. When Keaton approaches his killer his eyeline match in particular raises tension - this is because the killer is kept a mystery at first and the audience are denied any access to finding out the identity of the killer. Also, slow motion is used when a cigarette is thrown onto the petrol, followed by a final shot of flames shooting into the sky. This increases the emotional impact and the atmosphere is more dramatic. The atmosphere interlinks with the music well to create a sensation of gripping action. Transitions have been used at the end of the final shot - a dissolve has been used to link the opening scene to a press conference. The purpose of the dissolve is to show how time has passed. An enigma code has been used here at the end of the clip (in reference to Barthes theory) to make the audience question and wonder what the resolution will be at the press conference and whether Keaton's killer ever gets caught.
Resigned This group are known to be rigid, strict and oriented to the past. Brand choice stresses safety and the economy.
Example couple -
Frank and Anna - their aim is basic: it's to survive Where they work/study: Frank – didn’t study at university, retired caretaker. Anna – did a history degree at the University of Oxford and is now a retired teacher.
What do they do in their spare time? Frank is always at the local pub having a catch-up with all of his other retired friends. Anna – babysits her grandchildren from time to time, other than that she spends most of her time at Church.
Media Consumption -
•Print: Both Anna and Frank read ‘The Guardian’ newspaper. They don’t use tablets because technology is too complex to them both to interpret.
•Broadcast: Both Anna and Frank like watching programmes such as ‘Bargain Hunt’, ‘Antiques Roadshow’ and ‘Coronation Street’.
They watch these programmes through Freeview, Sky doesn't appeal to them as they are traditional.
•E-Media: They are old-fashioned and use newspapers as a source to keep up-to-date with news.
Harmony walks up the stairs shoe sound in the background.
Harmony at the class room door. The sound of the classroom door clicking open. Jasmine sitting inside the classroom waiting for Harmony to come inside the classroom.
A short slience as the characters look at each other.
Jasmine : "Have you done the job?" She says in a harsh tone.
Harmony: "I'm on it boss.." keeping eye contact with jasmine sounding determined yet dangerous.
The
movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ was released in 2008 and is a film associated with
following the lifestyle of a Mumbai teen who grew up in the slums and later
participates in the Indian version of the show ‘Who Want To Be A Millionaire.’
Many
editing effects
have been used throughout the film, especially during this clip, to give an
insight into Indian culture. This clip in particular is versatile and the main
feature it uses is continuity
editing. The shots together show the two young boys sneaking on a train
to find ways to make money wherever possible. The shots first show them both
getting onto the train, followed by their selling methods and then a shot of
one of the boys counting the money made. There is a continuous flow of action
which helps illustrate the busy standard of living in India. Another
method that editing has been employed is through the style of editing. Throughout the majority
of the clip the only shot used is a straight cut – this have been done to indicate a regular routine
of lifestyle that these two young boys live through to get by everyday. In my
opinion, if this movie used a dissolve/wipe this would’ve looked odd and wouldn’t relate to
the reality of this movie as it represents genuine lifestyle. Through the
utilization of continuity editing,
the shot of the children’s long and fast chasing scenes are well portrayed.
Various use of camera height at a bird’s eye view in between the continuity
editing helps develops the running scenes further, building more tension and
establishing the lifestyle in a place seeking for hope.
Also,
non-diegetic sound
has been used over the shots to help relate the action to the lyrics. The song
‘Paper Planes’ by M.I.A. has been used as a significant source in the movie to
indicate the need of money – this interlinks with the narrative as it demonstrates two young boys
trying to earn money to large extents. The sound of the music is parallel as
money is the dominant and central force for the overall objective for what the
characters strive to achieve for.
The
mise-en-scene is a
vital feature as the setting of this particular clip is filmed in the poorer,
less developed part of India (near the slums). The director has clearly linked
the setting to the
title accurately, which makes the audience engage more – not only are the
audience entertained, they are also educated about how people struggle to live
in the poorer parts of India.
In addition, the props
(items the boys were selling) on the train such as balloons, lighters and food
reinforces the willingness the characters both feel to be able to survive.
A
more essential method the editing is used to create a more realistic feel is
through the camera framing
and camera movement.
Camera framing is
vital as the clip shows many close-up
shots, these close-ups are of one of the boys counting coins. This shot
implies the determination these boys feel to be able to survive. At 19 secs,
there is a low-angle shot
– this emphasises the enthusiasm and keenness the actors feel to earn money as they
are practically putting there lives in danger by running across the top of a
moving train. Camera
movement connects with the framing as a steadicam sequence has been
used. This builds a sense of realism and helps further exemplify the lifestyles
led in a less developed area of town. The paces of the camera shots are generally fast to
exploit quick movement of making money. Moreover, a busy atmosphere is created
from this and represents everyday life. Lighting is also important as light that is diffused from the sunset is
often used for lighting.
This effectively enhances characterization of India’s atmosphere (where the movie takes
place the whole time).
Overall,
the director uses editing as a main source to establish a variety of themes
throughout the movie – the most significant theme is to have the ability/motivation
to strive for success. Many factors such as the lighting, sound and mise-en-scene
all combine together to create a sensational feel for the editing and helps
contribute to help the editing be distinctive and unique.
