6. Fan Website - Hugh Laurie

http://www.hughlaurie.net/

Technology used
The technology present on this website consists of mainly video clips.

This website is a fan website of the actor Hugh Laurie documenting his work and offering examples of it. It is replacing official websites set up and organised by Hugh Laurie’s PR team to promote him and his work. This is happening because now fans want something where they can find people who have the same interests, they don’t want something set up by a company, they want something which is set up by people who have a real interest in the subject.

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.

It benefits the audience as they have somewhere to discuss their interests and have a way to communicate with others who express the same 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.

Horizontal Networking
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.