Loc Xavier Rana

Term 1a Consolidation

What is media convergence?

Media convergence is the coming together of various forms of media, computing and
telecommunication in a digital environment. This has been caused by the exponential growth of the
amount of people using mobile devices regularly; a 2016 UK survey showed that 55% of Britons use
the internet to read or download the news online a strong increase compared to 20% in 2007.

The transformation of established industries and services through convergence has allowed the
different forms of media to become more diverse, especially through many of the consumers have the
opportunity to become the producers and have ownership of the institution.

A prominent example of media convergence is news. Many young people use their mobile devices
and computers to receive their news instead of purchasing physical magazines or newspapers.

What has been the impact of convergence on how audiences consume media?

The public are able to consume a wider variety of media, especially media produced by international
broadcasters as opposed to national or regional operators. Due to this, consumers are able to have a
choice over what type of media they decide to view as opposed to taking whatever they receive. This
often leads to the institution becoming increasingly concerned over the latest trends and interests of
their target audience, therefore giving the consumer power over what is produced.

Convergence allows audiences to opt for alternative sources and companies, and through this,
ideologies and views can be influenced.

What has been the impact of convergence on how institutions produce media?

The impact of convergence on how institutions produce media can be seen prominently through the
increasing concern the institution has for the interests and views of its target audience.

Many media outlets often place large pressure upon their research teams who study and identify any
recent trends that may be of interest towards their target audience in order for content to be produced
and be commercially successful. This is a parallel from the traditional order (INSERT TERMINOLOGY
HERE!) where the institution would hold power over what is produced and distribute it with the
guarantee that the content will be consumed.

Another example of where convergence has impacted the way institutions produce media is through
the constant portrayal of dominant ideologies throughout the content produced by the institution. For
example, Cosmopolitan, a highly successful fashion and lifestyle magazine outlet for women, often
presents the women in their magazines as skinny, urban, confident, independent, and successful in
their careers (all of which are dominant ideologies in modern civilisation). These ideologies are not
challenged through the content as this may prove to be controversial and stunt magazine sales and
public opinion/support of the brand and company.
How many types of camera shot can you name? What is the psychological impact on the
viewer of each of these shot types?

Extreme Wide Shot impact created through a visualisation of the scene from a long
distance. Often used in war scenes and portrays a sense of disaster.
Very Wide Shot allows the viewer to acquire as much information as possible from the area
Wide Shot a narrative can be expressed and understood by the audience through a full-
character visualisation.
Mid Shot keeps the viewer focused on the main character/idea and psychologically blocks
out most of the action occurring in the background.
Medium Close Up maximum attention towards the mood and emotion of the character.
Close Up allows the viewer to understand the facial expressions of the character clearly.
Extreme Close Up creates tension and helps make scene more dramatic.
Over-Shoulder-Shot makes the viewer feel as if they are witnessing the conversation
themselves.

How many types of video shot can you name? What is the psychological impact on the viewer
of each of these shot types?

Low Angle makes the subject look strong and powerful

Dutch portray a psychological uneasiness or a sense of tension within the scene
Mid Shot helps keep audience focused on main character and blocks out background
action
Group Shot -
Over-Shoulder-Shot feels as if the viewer is witnessing the conservation themselves
Eyeline Match creates a sense of feeling as if the viewer is the character and can see/feel
what that character can sense
Straight Cut portrays a message of a long event occurring with little substance. The shot
moves from one frame to another without creating a strong sense of emotion or feeling.

What is mise-en-scene?

Setting (location)
Space (compositional balance)
Lighting (high or low key)
Costume (period/fashion)
Acting (stylistic)
Facial expressions
Body language
Visual effects
Props
The arrangement of performers and props on a stage/shot before the camera in a film.

What is genre?

Genre is the style or category of art, music, or literature.

Why are certain films released during certain times of the year?

Certain films and genres are released at certain times of the year in order to help use seasonal spirit
and audience enthusiasm to create as much publicity as possible, therefore, maximising sales.
February - Romantic films

April - Animated/cartoon films

October - Horror films

December- Comedy/family films