Easter questions

• Media Forms: What techniques does the extract use to establish the text’s genre and/or engage the audience?
• Media Representations: How is gender/ethnicity/age/disability/sexuality/a place represented in the extract?
• Media Institutions: In what ways is the extract typical of the film/advertising/television industry and/or what values does it promote?
• Media Audiences: Who does this text/brand appeal to?

Media Representations: How is gender/ethnicity/age/disability/sexuality/a place represented in the extract?

In this advertisement there are two females and one male in a shop having trouble picking a chocolate bar. The man is then pushed to the ground spilling the kinder beuno chocolate bar in his lap. During this the females pick up the chocolate bar from his lap, there are two on each side. This connotes a penis and/or testicles, also when picking up the chocolate bar the woman make a moan. The advert itself presents woman as picky, there is also a subliminal message that they are picky with men too; this is because in the advert they say things like “bit boring” and “so heavy”. In addition, when the man falls to the ground and the woman are surrounding him, this connotes a matriarchal society perhaps. However, due to the chocolate bar being a phallic symbol it may suggest a matriarchal society as the phallus still dominates women in all aspects, including what they eat. In addition, the use of sexuality is heavily used within this advertisement as the female voice over says “indulgent taste, without the full feeling afterwards”, this connotes sex and pregnancy (full feeling afterwards).

Media Institutions: In what ways is the extract typical of the film/advertising/television industry and/or what values does it promote?

The advert is typical of advertising as it as it creates a lot of rhetorical questions, and one answer ‘Baku’. Due to it begin such a young country, not many people will have heard of it, therefore this will create narrative enigma (Barthes). A value it promotes is the idea of multiculturism, this is because of the different ethnicities and the cities named such as Paris and Barcelona. In addition, as Azerbaijan is predominantly a Muslim culture, it challenges the ideology of islamophobia, as it celebrates the country rather than promoting hatred and fear of them.  

Furthermore, Richard Dyer states that people will respond to a media text if it offers them compensation for the inadequacies in their own lives. Through the media audiences can vicariously live their lives and fulfil their wants and needs, leading them to strive to a utopian life.” This is what this advertisement provides, as sense of escapism (uses and gratifications, 1974); this is further reinforced with the camera shots used. The establishing shot is of the sky, which can connote that sky is the limit when visiting Baku.

Media Audiences: Who does this text/brand appeal to?

This advertisement denotes a man white non-diegetic sound of football commentary. Therefore, it is evident that the key demographic audience would be males, also as he is wearing a quite it could connote the socio-economic band of A-C1. In addition, at the end the speaker narrates and asks “will he score again” while the camera is on a woman, therefore it connotes that by scoring he will get the woman. This can also connote a Patriarchal society, as it implies males are dominant and a woman is just a prize or a point in their life.

Furthermore, during the text the male jumps over a child’s toy with the narration “oh, he’s beaten one”, this perhaps suggests he has beaten having children and has remained single and ‘free.’ Moreover, the use of football commentary creates feeling of winning, therefore could appeal to males aspiring to succeed and ‘score.’

• Media Forms: What techniques does the extract use to establish the text’s genre and/or engage the audience?
• Media Representations: How is gender/ethnicity/age/disability/sexuality/a place represented in the extract?
• Media Institutions: In what ways is the extract typical of the film/advertising/television industry and/or what values does it promote?
• Media Audiences: Who does this text/brand appeal to?

Media Representations: How is gender/ethnicity/age/disability/sexuality/a place represented in the extract?

Women are represented as sexual objects/vehicles, as she is being compared to a car. Therefore, it suggests men are the dominant force, as men will be driving the car and the woman is the car; which can also suggests a patriarchal society. However, an oppositional reading would then bring up the idea of post-femisim, this means women do not just want to be 'equal' to men; but surpass their achievements. Thus is can be said that the woman in this advert is actually controlling 'the gaze. This is further reinforced with the colour of a dress,  as black connotes dominance and power. 

In addition, using an italian woman suggests Italian women as a sexual; also as she is speaking Italian it represents her as exotic (Alvarado, 1987). In addition, as her hair is tied up it suggests she is virtuous or powerful, as she does not need to let her hair down in order 'to be looked at ness' (Laura mulvey). However, due to the colours of her clothing of red and black and he whispering in his hair, it could represent her as sinister or devilish. This is because red and black connote evil, anger and danger; therefore it represents her as   wicked or malicious.  

Self-evaluation

Target grade: B

Targets:

- Practice timing, via pratice papers
- adding theory, and making sure it is relevant to content
- reference to text

Pledge: I vow to practice timings, as this hinders my potential of doing well.

The Guardian Advert Analysis

• Codes & Conventions: What techniques does the ad use to persuade the audience to consume the Guardian?

The advertisement uses intertextual reference to a classic fairy tale of ‘The three Little Pigs’, this persuades the reader to consume the Guardian for a number of reasons. Firstly, it creates nostalgia as the audience will identify (uses and gratification, 1974) with the well known fairy tale and will in a way create a friendship with the institution; in that they are together reminiscing about the story. Furthermore, the use of satire is also used to persuade the audience. The idea that there are three pigs who are perverting the course of justice and killing a wolf who had blown their homes down, may create moral panic (Stanley Cohen, 1987). The effect of humour and satire, allows the institution to be represented as a light-hearted newspaper, who know no limits. Therefore this suggests they are willing to do whatever it takes in order to give the public news.

Additionally, the use of showing ‘common’ people implies that the newspaper is an institution which includes their readers. This is an example of Social integrative needs and Personal integrative needs (Katz, Gurevitch and Haas 1973), the readers want to be a part of something, to feel needed. Thus, they will purchase consume the Guardian to get the feeling.  Moreover, the demonstration of using different media platforms to give their opinion and read the news tells the audience that the Guardian are a well established institution who are able to adapt with what is most consumed, for example, the micro-blogging website Twitter.  Thsis therefore persaudes the audience to purchase this newspaper, as they can accesss it anywhere and anytime.

Finally, the advert shows one story that tackles many issues, such as the economy and murder. This represents the Guardian as a versatiles newspaper, that is desgined to cater too all needs.

      

       Representation: How is the news represented in the ad?

The news is represented as something that should be given on all media platforms; it is a form of lean back media. Furthermore, it is represented as something that the public overstresses, this again is an example of a parody of the public’s moral panic (Cohen, 1987).     

The news is represented of high stature; they prompt the audience to answer ‘rhetorical questions’. This suggest that the news affect the audience, we must be in formed of everything (McQuail’s 1983).

In addition, in this advertisement once one crime is revealed another one is. The pigs  murdered the big bad wolf, we then find out they also did it due to mortgage struggles. This represents the news as an institution which find out more, as it aids the public. This can relate to John stuart Mill, who believed inSocial reformism  The institution believes that with a great number of people all around the world (the different languages in the advert) and people in this country; there can be development in education, morals, and as a society in general. 

Media Institution: What issues of new technology does this ad raise and what does it tell us about the values of The Guardian?

The issues of new technology are that it is a rapid device to getting news around, this presents the Guardian as an institution, which give their news fast and 'on the go'. Furthermore, the Guardian is represented as newspaper that aims to cater to all socio-economics groups. For example, in one scene there was graffiti, which connotes a youth audience. Also,in once scene there was a shot of the big bad wolf on youtube, used as evidence against the little pigs. The effect of this represents technology as something useful and advantageous.  Also the quote 'around the UK bumper edition', connotes the newspaper being everywhere you can travel, due to its easy accessibility; online, the newspaper, twitter and your phone. 

Audience: On the basis of this ad, who does the Guardian brand appeal to? 

The advertisement denotes a use of a variety of languages, such as French and English. This suggests, that the Guardian is aimed at different ethnicities, therefore some audiences may have a sense of identification (uses and gratification, 1974); they will want to buy this newspaper as represents itself as a cosmopolitan institution. Furthermore, There are different british accents, which can connote that it appeals to all demographics. Its socio-economic group would be C-A, as it is a broadsheet paper which tackles 'real' issues, such as the economy and finance; and not celebrity news.   

However, although it can be said that it is a cosmopolitan newspaper, the use of a traditional fairy tale says otherwise. it could suggest the newspaper has traditional ideologies concentrating on informing people and educating, first, then entertaining. 

2-3-12 homework

Dark Knight

What techniques does this trailer use to persuade an audience to see the film?

One of the techniques used in this trailer is the use of high octane scenes. These high octane scenes will encourage the audience to watch the film, as it provides them with escapism (uses and gratification, 1974). In addition, there are scenes where the Dark Knight is not revealed, therefore this creates narrative enigma (Barthes) and the audience will want to watch it, in order to discover who he really is. This is further reinforced with the line ‘it’s all part of the plan’ said my an anonymous speaker, the audience will wonder what plan? Thus, they will watch the film. Furthermore, there are scenes of violence and scenes of knives, this could perhaps connote someone is going to be killed or tortured. The effect of this allows the element of schadenfreude to arise; the audience will want to watch the film because they enjoy the misfortune of others.  

Moreover, there is a scene where the dark knight is protecting a woman. This creates escapism and the female gaze (Laura Mulvey, 1972). Females will want to watch the film, to see this man protect his woman, as well as Gotham city. Finally, the last mid-shot of the joker saying ‘let’s put a smile back on that face’ creates a sort of chill, as well as narrative enigma. The audience will wonder who he is talking to, and they will watch it to find out.

30-1-12 Homework

Presentation

Websex Questions

The non-diegetic sound contains electro pop and dubstep, as it will attract the institutions key demographic- people aged 16-25. This is further reinforced with the voice over, a young mix-raced female; the audience will form a sense of identification with the narrator of the documentary. Also, the tone of the dialogue is almost conversational, which again creates identification (uses and gratification-Bulmer and Kratz 1964). In addition, as the narrator is of a multi-ethnic background, it represents a multi-cultural and liberal society. Also, the inference of a liberal society supports the subject of the documentary, ‘websex’. 

During the documentary there are many close-up shots, this connotes a close glimpse on the issue. The documentary will be focusing more thoroughly on the subject, despite that fact that it is a sensitive topic. In addition, the natural location, such as forests and restaurants suggest sex via the Internet is natural in today’s society. Furthermore, interviewing young teens at school or their education place connote the demographic, which are young people. Also, the images of phones, laptops, and electronics dominate the documentary. This supports the subject of the documentary of the power of electronics and how it affects how lives, including our sex lives. This also reinforces the audience for the documentary, the youth, this is because they are known as the ‘internet generation’.    

The reaction of the audience may vary, depending on age, values, attitude and gender. If they were to be more conservative, they would have values that preclude the idea or the mere mention of the matter. However, for a more liberal audience it would be acceptable for this issue to exhibit. In addition, for both genders it may or may not be an issue. Some audience members may find it problematic, as they might think the documentary is generalising

all teen males and females. This stereotype will not be appreciated, as the public will assume all teens have an urge for sex, they use the internet a lot, and for activates such as meeting people and performing sexual activities in front of a webcam- which may not be entirely true. In the text there are people who use colloquial language. This may present the youth as people who are unable to speak in Standard English. This may perhaps create moral panic: The intensity of feeling expressed in a population about an issue that appears to threaten the social order. The public will consider the issues in the text reflect all of the younger generation, thus they will panic over the morals they are not being upheld or the morals the youth have.  

However, some audience members might identify with the stories the people in the documentary tell. For an older audience, it may create controversy as it could bee seen as encouraging sex via the Internet. However, the documentary does show the dangers of ‘Websex’. In addition, there is a scene where the host/narrator Nathalie Emmanuel interviews a young gay man. This may create debate as some people may be homophobic and will not which to see gay men on television; as it could influence the younger audience.

The text appeals to the audience, as it talks about real life issues, which are seen to be too sensitive to bring to the surface. However, in BBC Three doing this it could help audiences. This is because they might have had the same experience, therefore in raising this issue the audience will identify and perhaps aid them in telling their story. In addition, mentioning a topic such as sex, which is in some societies and taboo or is considered a sin; it creates a thrill for the audience. They are watching something that isn’t really spoken about on television, in this way (a first hand look on the topic, which interviews and the film maker taking part).  

The genre of the text is Participatory documentary. Participatory documentaries believe that it is impossible for the act of filmmaking to not influence or alter the events being filmed. What these films do is emulate the approach of the anthropologist: participant-observation. Not only is the filmmaker part of the film, we also get a sense of how situations in the film are affected or altered by her presence. These conventions are evident in 'Websex', as Nathalie Emmanuel not only observes and narrates, but she also participates in the actions . This shows the audience, first hand how these things are done. 

The subject is given both sides, its dangers and its perks. Therefore, BBC Three are trying to show that although it can be fun and 'harmless', it does have its dangers too. This is BBC's aim, they aspire to inform, educate and entertain. Although, they are entertaining their audience, they are also warning and informing the dangers of 'Websex'. The text has ben distributed via public opinions, surveys and expert opinions. This reinforces the goal of educating the public with supported facts.    

Homework -Fri 20/1

Technophobia: A person who fears, dislikes, or avoids new technology

AUDIENCE

BBC three’s key demographic would typically be 16-34 age group, with a socio-economics band of B2-C3. However, this programme would attract anyone, despite their age, gender, socio-economics class or race. This is because anybody can suffer from a disorder, such as Technophobia. It would also depend upon their attitudes, values, lifestyles, and opinions on this issue. Some people may have a cynical view of this disorder, and may not watch it.

INSTITUTION

This programme will look at the issue in depth, as BBC Three aim to tackle subjects with sensitivity, while making sure to appeal to a younger audience. The institution also attempts to their audiences of their actions through a series of programmes challenging common beliefs, this also creates a sense of identification (Bulmer and Katz 1974).

MEDIA FORMS

This documentary will be observational. This is because Observational documentaries attempt to simply and spontaneously observe lived life with a minimum of intervention. Another example of an observational documentary by BBC Three is 'Dangerous Pleasures Season'. The Dangerous Pleasures Season follows young people's pursuit of pleasure and isn't afraid to show the darker side of tackling challenging subjects head on.

The conventions of the documentary will follow are: 

Location shooting- handheld cameras

Long take dominate

Synchronous (direct) sound recording

No voice over (n it purest form)

No interviews

PRESENTATION

his mode of film eschew voice-over commentary, post-synchronized dialogue

and music, or re-enactments. The films aimed for immediacy, intimacy, and

revelation of individual human character in ordinary life situations. Therefore, the

opinions I would expect to see would be personally and very intimate 

web blog review

Technophobes on BBC Three follows the lives of five people who are

afraid of technology.

It has its typical BBC Three approach, the quirky, intimate scenes,

which makes us wonder, really? Would you say that on television? And we think to ourselves, that maybe that piece of information should have been kept quite.

However, the feeling of embarrassment for the people is quick to fade away when we hear their stories, and how they develop such an odd disorder. We follow these five people, day by day, seeing how they get along with avoiding technology; as it is everywhere we go. The viewers are able to these people avoid things such as cash machines, a phone and even something as small as a calculator, this documentary really allows us to get into the mind of a technophobe. 

Overall, Technophobes is a film aimed for immediacy, intimacy, and

revelation of individual human character in ordinary life situations. However, it is best to keep some details secluded, for everyone’s benefit.