Monday, April 21, 2008
10. Free Choice - The Corpse Bride Website
http://imdb.com/title/tt0121164/
Technology used
The technology present on the website includes mp3 tracks and video clips.
Websites such as these are replacing traditional advertising methods through bill-boards and television trailers. By having these websites and placing the trailers online people can watch it, find out a bit about the story and the characters and who is in it. As a result it generates excitement and people can get a reasonable amount of answers as to what the film is about, who is in it, when it comes out. It offers the audience information that they can keep going back to. They also serve a purpose after the film has come out, because if it is a success and people like it they can then go and watch the ‘behind the scenes’ clip and find out when the DVD is coming out, as well as downloading free things or in this case listening to the soundtrack online.
The Media being used
This website includes a variety of types of media including related websites, video clips, downloadable backgrounds for your desktop, pictures from the film, mobile phone updates and mp3 soundtrack live streaming.
Related websites
Related websites include film rating websites such as http://www.filmratings.com/ and a link to the Warner Brothers Records website so that people can buy the soundtrack to the Corpse Bride. These websites provide the audience with information on where to buy their product and on where they can gain extra information such as film ratings that they may want.
Video clips
On the website are a few video clips, firstly a trailer for the film, this is so that prior to release people can watch the clip and get a feeling for the film as well as find out information on release date etc. The next clip present is ‘behind the scenes footage’ from making the film to provide the audience with information. It is to explain how they made the film, because it was a mixture of graphics and stop-motion production, so for those interested in how Tim Burton and his team managed to create the film there is a bit of extra information, which before the DVD was released with extra features would have been exclusive.
Downloadable desktop backgrounds
With the facility to download desktop backgrounds it provides the fans with something which they will enjoy, but which in turn will work as advertising to their friends who see it and are interested in what it is from.
Pictures from the film
These have the effect of showing the audience the sort of quality they can expect, but also installing intrigue within the audience as to what situation in the plot is being depicted by the picture. In turn this makes them watch the film to have their questions answered.
Mobile phone updates
These mobile phone updates not only give the audience pictures for their phone, again encouraging word of mouth advertising, but it gives them listing times at their local cinemas for the film. Providing the audience with immediate information as to where and when the film is on, meaning they are more likely to be reminded to go and don't have to find out when it is on. By taking away the work for the audience they are more likely to indulge and go to the film.
Mp3 soundtrack, live streaming
The soundtrack is streamed live on the website for the audience to listen to after they have watched the film. On the same page as the soundtrack is a link to purchasing the soundtrack CD, this is a chance for fans of the film to re-listen to the film and decide whether or not to purchase the soundtrack.
Audience
I think the main target audience is young children but other fans of the film will be equally interested in the website. People who are also curious about the film will use it to find out information on the film. The children will use it to find out about the film, the soundtrack and the cast.
The benefits of using the website are behind the scenes footage, the trailer, information on release dates and on where to purchase the DVD and CD. You can also access information on how the film was made, the cast, the crew and their other work so that you can watch their other work on the basis that if you enjoyed this one you will enjoy their other work.
Institutions
The only institution involved is Warner Brothers, the producer of the film. This allows them to not only promote this film, but the soundtrack and other films that they have produced in collaboration with the Director of this film.
Warner Brothers uses the video clips and mp3 live streaming of the soundtrack as well as downloadable backgrounds, the mobile updates etc all make the audience feel as though they are receiving something unique and exclusive. They gain extra information over people who have just gone to see the film and this puts them above their peers in terms of knowledge of the film, the way it is made etc. This gratification encourages audience loyalty to the film and the Director and to some extent to the production company, meaning that when the film and soundtrack come out they are more likely to purchase them as they feel they are buying something worth the money.
Key concepts
The key concepts which work on this website are interactivity, time-shift and portability.
Portability
Portability is present because the technology of sending cinema times and dates, as well as wallpapers, to a mobile phone allows the consumer to find out information whilst on the go.
Interactivity
Interactivity is present with the video clips, the mp3 files, the wallpapers and the mobile phone updates. These all allow the consumer to find out more about the film and interact with the website.
Time-shift
Time-shift occurs because the audience can listen to the soundtrack when they want and they can also what the trailer whenever they want. They don’t have to watch the film for the soundtrack or wait for the trailer to be aired on the TV to watch it. It provides them with more flexibility in enjoying the soundtrack or in finding out about the film.
9. New Phenomenon - Blu-ray DVD
Technology and the media being used
Blu-ray DVDs are relatively new on the market and their popularity is set to increase. It was developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association, which is a group of the world’s leading consumer electronics, PC and media manufacturers, which includes the likes of Dell, Apple, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony and LG. The Blu-ray format enables the recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition or HD video, again a new technology. Blu-ray offers more than five times the storage capacity of DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and up to 50GB on a dual-layer disc.
The name Blu-ray comes from the blue-violet laser, which replaces the tradition red laser used to read and write data. The blue-violet laser has a shorter wavelength than the red laser, allowing it to focus the laser spot with great precision, meaning more can be stored on the disc as it takes up less space.
Blu-ray is set to replace normal DVDs when the use of high definition kicks off in the media industry. Blu-ray provides a higher quality program, which in turn provides the audience with a better viewing experience.
Audience
The target audience of Blu-ray are people who are interested in films and technology, as well as quality of experience. I don't feel there is an age or gender limit of Blu-ray because it is the product/film which determines the audience, the technology is limitless in terms of that. But it is limited by the audience wanting to buy the latest thing and update their possibly already vast DVD collection to something more expensive, although with a better quality of experience.
The audience benefits from Blu-ray due to the higher definition and better quality of the experience they receive in comparison to regular DVDs. Blu-ray discs are mainly targeted at people who enjoy films because they are being offered a better quality of film and therefore more enjoyment from the experience because the sound and picture are clearer. Due to the capacity of Blu-ray discs any bonus features could be fitted onto the same disc as the DVD and series of programs from the television such as the Office, can be fitted onto less discs, taking up less space than tradition DVDs.
Institutions
The film institution are set to benefit majorly from the introduction of Blu-ray, with a better quality disc being released of classic films people are likely to purchase them all again to take advantage of the better quality and also to update their collection, just as people did from VHS to DVD. With a better quality being offered people are also more likely to purchase Blu-ray because the viewing experience is so much more enjoyable than before. Seven of the eight major movie studios (Disney, Fox, Warner, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate and MGM) are releasing films in Blu-ray format and all except Paramount set to release their movies exclusively in Blu-ray format.
Key concepts
The key concepts of Blu-ray are quality because the quality of the product is greatly improved with this technology and miniaturisation because the discs can hold more data than DVDs.
8. Converged, portable digital technology - Blackberry Curve
Technology used and the Media being used
The technology present in the Blackberry Curve consists of wireless email/internet, instant messaging, text messaging, phone calls, video recording, a camera and a media player for music and videos. The phone also has the ability to navigate through website, stream mobile media including music and news clips. The Blackberry Curve also contains a calendar, address book, a GPS system and ‘Blackberry Maps’ which allows you to get maps and directions whilst on the road. There is also Bluetooth for hands free capabilities.
Audience
The main target audience are business people who need to check their emails regularly and make conference calls etc. The point of the Blackberry is to converge the technologies which allow them to check their emails, search the internet, call people, put them on hands free etc which provides the customer with one piece of equipment for all their needs. This increases customer loyalty to their brand because they can gain everything they want from one company.
A secondary audience of teenagers and adults who enjoy socialising occurs because of the availability of the technology and all that it is able to offer them. They can have everything in one place and don't need to purchase or carry the seperate software.
Institutions
There are many industries with an interest in the Blackberry including the film industry and the music industry. This is because it provides a platform for their product to be played on. The Blackberry helps companies and businesses in their work.
Key concepts
The key concepts of the Blackberry are immediacy, portability and convergence.
Immediacy
With many products being found in the Blackberry the consumer is provided with immediacy in being able to access their emails or search the web using a wireless connection. If they need to check their emails they don’t have to wait to get to the office or back home, they can immediately use the function on their phone, whilst still being on the phone to a customer or their boss.
Portability
The variety of functions available in one product mean that the consumer can travel anywhere and still reach their emails, call their friends, organise their diary and many more things. They don’t need to have a variety of products around them to achieve this, they can do it all on the move, resulting in a better experience for them as they only have to carry one item.
Convergence
The Blackberry Curve is the coming together of many different types of media. The consumer is given more products rolled into one, giving them instant access to their email, music, videos, phone calls, whatever it is that they need at that particular time. Convergence provides the consumer with a simpler way of consuming their desired media, resulting in an better experience.
7. Leisure time activity - deviantART
Technology used
The technology used by the deviantART website is quite varied. Firstly, there is the capacity for online purchasing of the images in print form. Individuals load these images, often these are amateurs who enjoy photography, graphic manipulation, digital editing and digitally painting pictures, and they can sell their work via the website with commission from the sales going to deviantART. The website uses digital printing technologies to print the work at a high quality.
The Media being used
DeviantART uses a variety of media types including online shopping, message forums and image hosting.
Online shopping along with the large quantity of prints allows the consumer to sit at home, at ease, and browse until they find something they like. They can then purchase it when and, as they want it in a variety of different sizes, qualities and frames. It is delivered to their door and they have to exert very little energy, even if they don’t manage to find something they haven’t wasted a day out looking for the perfect picture. It is the ease of purchasing the photos that I feel is the success. The ordering form is clear and easy, proving it easy for the consumer to get exactly what they want.
Message forums
The message forums are very clear and divided into sections, which are easy to navigate. The use of instant messaging across the site as well as the facility to leave comments on work and artists pages produces a community feeling about the website.
Image hosting
The image hosting is very simple. The method to upload your photos and the way to start an account are extremely easy, all of which encourage users to join, it takes very little time and there are multiple benefits to choosing deviantART over other image hosting websites such as the feedback from the community and the option to sell your work.
I think the main target audience is art students or amateur artists who want some feedback on their work, although there are many other people who use the website such as people who enjoy art and use it as a source to buy from the artists even if they have no practical interest in making art. I would say that the target audience of deviantART is probably teenager upwards because I don't overly feel that there is much for children to enjoy on the website, unless they express an extreme interest in art.There is a bit of a limitation to artists whose work is not able to be put onto the computer (such as murial artists, sculptures etc) however for those whose art is compatible with the computer there is no end to the variety and genres of art which are available.
They use the site to help each other, to sell their work and to gain feedback from their peers. This is a very quick and easy way to get your work seen by people, the internet has a large reach, making this a much easier way into the industry than through art galleries.
Institutions
The only institution involved here is deviantART they are mainly producing the physical prints and distributing the work. In a way, the pieces of art are being promoted on the website, but it is not active advertising, it is more of an exhibition of the work for sale.
Key concepts
The key concepts of this website are proliferation, democratisation, diversification, horizontal networking and reach.
Proliferation
Online there is a large source of work available to the consumer. They can search by genre, according to their taste and, with such a large archive are bound to find something that appeals to them.
With the introduction of the digital camera and the widespread use of the internet, deviantART provides everybody with a platform to host their work and receive feedback upon it. Anybody can have a go and get their work into the public eye, replacing the method of having to go through either a gallery or another means to get your work placed for public viewing.
The use of graphics tablets and other digital manipulation and digital paint equipment has meant that the type of photographic art available is of a much larger diversity than before. Previously photos couldn’t be edited or manipulated, and now with the introduction of such technology the world of art has seen the creation of major new genres such as Anime.
Horizontal Networking
The image hosting aspect of deviantART along with the community provides an opportunity for the media to be shared peer to peer, without a need for financial gain. It is free to join and add pictures, providing a place for peers to see other peoples work and gain advice on techniques for their own work.
Reach
The internet itself offers a much larger reach for everybody that has added picture to deviantART providing the possibility for millions of people to look at their work. Previously this scale of consumption would have been very rare.
6. Fan Website - Hugh Laurie
Technology used
The technology present on this website consists of mainly video clips.
The Media being used
The media content present on the website consists mainly of video clips.
Video Clips
Video clips are used to show examples of Hugh Laurie’s work and to direct audiences to interviews and other programmes he has been in which they may not be aware of. Video clips are a way of engaging the audience and trying to provide them with something entertaining and new to them.
Audiences
The website appeals to any age and gender because this sites content isn’t limited by age or gender, it is limited by your interest, namely in Hugh Laurie and his career.
The website is mainly for fans to talk to other fans and discuss his work and him. Fans use the website to catch up on what he has been in e.g. programmes and interviews, as well as to meet like minded people to discuss their interests.
Institutions
There are no institutions involved primarily. The website is run by fans, for fans, so no institutions are involved.
Key Concepts
The key concepts which apply to this website are interactivity, non-linear, horizontal networking and narrowcasting.
Interactivity and Non-linear
The audience can interact with the website by choosing video clips and interviews to watch. This allows the audience to consume pieces of Hugh Laurie’s career how they want, from snippets of interviews, to the programmes he has been in. They no longer have to watch the interviews when they are being aired instead they can access them when they want.
Peers share information about Hugh Laurie with each other via the website. This includes video clips and photos as well as the latest information on his career and appearances.
Narrowcasting
The website is for a niche audience, namely people who are fans of Hugh Laurie and/or his work. By targeting an audience in this way you ensure loyal fans, although the number of fans may not be so large due to the niche aspect of the media.
5. Podcast - The Archers
The Archers is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 7.02pm Sunday to Friday, repeated at 2.02pm the next day (excluding Saturdays) with the omnibus edition of the whole week's episodes every Sunday at 10am.
Technology used
The technology being used is a podcast. A podcast is a series of digital-media files, which can be downloaded and played back on either computers or mp3 players. You can either directly download from a website or online stream the podcast. You can subscribe to podcasts and have the newest edition automatically downloaded to your computer.
The Media being used
Podcasts work by using RSS feeds, direct file downloads and mp3 files.
Podcasts are being used by the audience to download their favourite radio programmes, comedy hours amongst other things. They are replacing radio listening because the audience can now listen to the programme whenever they want, wherever they want, rather than having to tune in to the radio and have reception. It provides them with more flexibility.
The main target audience is people who regularly listen to a particular radio show, in this case the Archers, a story about rural life in the UK. The people who would listen to The Archers are people who enjoy dramas, particularly those which are different from the mainstream ones in some way - The Archers is set about a family and their local community in an English countryside village. People who listen to The Archers are either people interested in rural life, people who live in a village and like the similarities/differences to their lives, or people who just enjoy the gossiping side of the drama.
The benefits of using the podcasts for the audience is the flexibility it offers their consumption of the media. Previously they would have had to tune in at a set time, and if they missed an episode for some reason there wouldn’t have been an opportunity to catch up. With the website and the podcast however they can subscribe to download it to their computer, meaning they do not have to remember to listen to each show, it is automatically downloaded. This gives them greater flexibility in their consumption.
Audience's used to have to sit by the radio and listen to the program everyday at the appointed time, or listen to the omnibus on Sunday, but now they have more freedom in what time they listen as well as the technology that they listen to it with. The Archers is available on the TV via Radio 4's channel, on the internet via online streaming, in a podcast and is now internationally available in places such as Continental Europe and in areas with British Forces Broadcasting stations as well such as Germany and Cyprus.
Institutions
The BBC is behind the Archer’s podcast, which is hosted on their website.
They use the podcasts as a way of encouraging more regular listeners. If the audience don’t have to tune in to each airing of the programming, but can instead download it directly to their computer they are more likely to listen to it on a regular basis, resulting in higher ratings for the BBC as well as a better service for the audience.
The use of podcasts allows the BBC to distribute their programme more effectively to a wider number of listeners who possibly couldn’t listen before due to the time.
Key concepts
The key concepts which have made podcasts so successful are non-linear, immediacy, portability, miniaturisation and time-shift.
Non-linear
The non-linear aspects of the podcast lie in the fact that you can consume it wherever and whenever you want. You no longer have to work around scheduling times, but instead can listen to it anywhere, even places where previously a radio programme couldn’t be listened to due to a lack of signal, such as the tube.
Immediacy
With the ability to subscribe to the podcast the audience has an immediate update when the new one is released. Meaning they don’t have to keep checking back on the website to see if a new one has been released. Again this just stops the audience having to fit their life around the programme.
Portability
The ability to put the podcast onto a mp3 player means that you can travel with your podcast, you no longer have to sit by the radio to listen to the programme. This again provides the audience with more freedom.
Miniaturisation
The creation of mp3 players means that it is possible to take podcasts anywhere with you.
Time-shift
The audience now have portability with the media and do not have time constraints because there is the flexibility of being able to listen to the podcast whenever they want, not just at the scheduled time.
4. Youtube video - Potter Puppet Pals - The Mysterious Ticking Noise
Technology used
The technology involved in youtube is very varied because each video being hosted on the site is individual, so the technologies involved in making each video change. However, for Potter Puppet Pals the process to get their video hosted on youtube involved creating and editing it and uploading it onto their youtube account.
Youtube is replacing regular television viewing, instead providing a database of amateur (as well as professional programs which have been uploaded) videos which can be viewed at anytime by anyone. Related programs are also shown so that people can watch videos, which are similar to those that they enjoy. Youtube offers more freedom in consumption of videos and the videos tend to be more unique and entertaining than normal TV, partly because there are no governing bodies, which control what can and cannot be uploaded.
The Media being used
Youtube includes many types of media although they are mostly video clips due to the sites nature. You can favourite videos, rate them, comment on them, post responses and download the videos amongst other things.
This particular episode of Potter Puppet Pals has had over 41,177,200 views since March 23, 2007, showing that youtube has an incredibly large reach.
Audience
There is no main target audience to Youtube or the video. The success of Youtube comes in the fact that anybody can upload anything and there are going to be people who will enjoy it and find it funny if it is intended to be so. There is no real plot, or jokes, the comedy is mainly found in the physical actions and limited audio track and so may be limited to people with that time of humour.
The benefit to the audience is that there is freedom in what they consume, they don’t have any restraints in terms of linear scheduling and by searching Youtube they can find sequences which appeal specifically to them.
Institutions
There are a large amount of institutions involved with Youtube because as it is so popular there are vast possibilities in terms of advertising. So much so that Google bought Youtube for $1.65 billion in 2006 and other institutions have seen the possibilities of Youtube for free advertising and companies have uploaded programs and funny adverts in the style of videos of their own to the site.
The audience gains from the attention that the institutions have given Youtube because it provides funding for improvements and general maintenance of Youtube, meaning that the service remains free.
Key concepts
The key concepts of Youtube are proliferation because the audience has a huge amount of choice as to what they watch, interactivity because the consumers can reply with responses to videos and rank videos, non-linear because the audience can watch any video they want, whenever they want because there are no restrictions. Democratisation plays a huge part in the success of Youtube; anybody can upload anything they want, providing an opportunity for people to demonstrate their talents in a community, which will offer feedback to the creator. The fact that Youtube is also free, again allows the democratisation because it doesn’t cost people to show their work. Diversification is a result of the large amount of videos uploaded, with such a large choice of videos it is inevitable that everybody is catered for in some way or another. Other key concepts include narrowcasting due the niche aspects of most videos and reach due to the large amount of videos and the accessibility of the site.