1. I definitlely agree that the media presents each one of us with an image of what we should be, want to be, or strives to be within our society. Some people desperately try to find themselves and they depend on the media to provide them with templates of people to emulate because of their lack of imagination and self worth.
2. Some commercials entertain us so much, as the book said, it takes away from the original message. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc-Ek-eIRxk&feature=PlayList&p=A1F05FBA4D0BEDA9&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=41 In some circumstances this is a good thing, but as it may be a great commerical and is remembered for its "awesomeness", but i would have to agree that if the product is not the prominent focus and made aware at all times within the commerical, it is difficult to determine if you are watching a movie or a commerical.
3. I agree mostly with the comments in the book regarding sex and americans. We use sex to sell sell sell and sometimes the sexual inserts arent even necessary. We manipulate the audience by drawing their (Men) attention to the screen in order to promote our products...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKQEpzJTUio Do they even remember what it is that was being advertised or are they just watching because of the sexual overtures. Sex sells and we all know it. Do advertisers go overboard at times.... perhaps but they get your attention.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Shards O' Glass Freeze Pops
When I first saw this commercial, I have to admit it grabbed my attention. I must have caught parts of it several times and was curious who was behind it. I looked it up on YouTube and realized it was a product of Truth, the anti-smoking group with all the crazy commercials. I visited their site and their "About Us" section is really quite interesting. They state that their "...philosophy isn't anti-smoker or pro-smoker...it's about an industry manipulating its products, facts and advertising to secure replacements for the 1200 customers they "lose" every day." (To read the rest click here). I thought both this commercial and what it stands for were very pertinent to this week's discussion on advertising.
I felt that this commercial specifically spoke to the section in Chapter 13 regarding social marketing. According to the text, media literacy can be a useful tool in shaping messages that influence the attitudes and behaviors of individuals; the rationale behind social marketing is that the tools of media literacy can be used to promote pro-social behaviors (Silverblatt 289).
By centering the "advertisement" around a completely ridiculous and obviously deadly product, Truth demonstrates that the Tobacco Company does the same thing with cigarette marketing. The language used is very similar to the warnings heard in cigarette advertisements, yet the marketing of deadly products is tolerated by many in our society. However, new regulations were very recently passed on the marketing of tobacco products. Do you think that social marketing campaigns such as those by Truth have been instrumental in the increase in regulation of tobacco marketing? If so, will this precedent influence an increase in future social marketing campaigns?
Rescue Heroes
The following You Tube clips show the Rescue Heroes cartoon, video game, and toy commercial. As in chapter 13 it discusses how sometimes the advertisement is the entertainment, these cartoons were developed in order to sell the toys. My son had these videos and of course we had to get the action figures.
Another example would be Care Bears. These were my generation of must have toys. When my daughter was about three they came out with Care Bears again at the store. In each box with the bear was a video of the Care Bear cartoon. The marketers knew their target would be women who grew up with these adorable bears and would nostalgically want to introduce them to their children in turn. It worked. I got her about five of them and then moved onto Strawberry Shortcake and Rainbow Brite. My daughter was not nearly as enthusiastic about these items as I was...
Another example would be Care Bears. These were my generation of must have toys. When my daughter was about three they came out with Care Bears again at the store. In each box with the bear was a video of the Care Bear cartoon. The marketers knew their target would be women who grew up with these adorable bears and would nostalgically want to introduce them to their children in turn. It worked. I got her about five of them and then moved onto Strawberry Shortcake and Rainbow Brite. My daughter was not nearly as enthusiastic about these items as I was...
Following up on last week's class
Last week in class we covered Structure and Framework. We discussed various types of media ownership (state owned, privately owned) and the impact this can have on content.
This week you can read a profile of Saad Mohseni, described as Afghanistan's first media mogul.
You can listen to the NPR interview with the author, Ken Auletta, here.
You can find the full story here:Saad Mohseni, Afghanistan’s first media mogul: newyorker.com
And a link to Tolo TV's website here.
What are the implications of controlling such a large percentage of the television market-share in a country that has a literacy rate between 20-30%?
What pros and cons do you see to the funding structure of Mohseni's television shows? Specifically the U.S.A.I.D. produced reality show described in the piece?
This article likens the difficulty of "cracking down" on programming that is being accused of negatively impacting Islamic values to the same difficulty faced by the Chinese government when attempting to oust Avatar (which we discussed in class). What commonalities do you see between the two situations? What differences do you see?
What are your thoughts on the idea that "old media systems" are still working in countries like Afghanistan?
This week you can read a profile of Saad Mohseni, described as Afghanistan's first media mogul.
You can listen to the NPR interview with the author, Ken Auletta, here.
You can find the full story here:Saad Mohseni, Afghanistan’s first media mogul: newyorker.com
And a link to Tolo TV's website here.
What are the implications of controlling such a large percentage of the television market-share in a country that has a literacy rate between 20-30%?
What pros and cons do you see to the funding structure of Mohseni's television shows? Specifically the U.S.A.I.D. produced reality show described in the piece?
This article likens the difficulty of "cracking down" on programming that is being accused of negatively impacting Islamic values to the same difficulty faced by the Chinese government when attempting to oust Avatar (which we discussed in class). What commonalities do you see between the two situations? What differences do you see?
What are your thoughts on the idea that "old media systems" are still working in countries like Afghanistan?
Monday, June 28, 2010
Advertising
It's amazing how media literacy opens your eyes to a world undeveloped by hidden messages. As a read the chapter I couldn't help but to reflect back to a time when an advertisement was just that in my mind, after learning about latent messages in media and subliminal messages one would be cautious to analyze all forms of media that comes across one's lap.
Advertisements have been used over time to shape and form America's most perfect society; what to wear, how to look, what to drive, right along with what to eat, drink and even sleep on. Of course if the categories given do not apply to apply to you, you are either an outcast or not good enough and your credentials are insufficient. Advertisements play on one's emotion and makes the audience feel that they should be right there with the actors/ characters of this well scripted event; you thirst and lust to be desired as the description of the product suggests. Not only do advertisements mislead and misinform its public, but it also covers up what the bare eye would despies as fault. Advertisements use many techniques to perfect their approach in gaining the hearts of their fellow man or woman; special effects, props, sounds and music, and even the covering of human flaws are used to enhance the deliverance of the special product. Just to name a few familiar ads: Nike (Just do it) whatever it may be; Lays (Can't eat just one) I mean why would someone eat just one and they've purchased a whole bag of chips; and I love the Charmin commercial where the bear absorbs water from the lake with just one square of tissue and why not when they're so absorbent.
The text also appealed to my senses when I read and observed the ads in the text about how women and men are positioned differently in ads to show the masculinity of the man and reduce the woman to a dependent to the male species (look at her she's so helpless without him, what would life be like without the strength of men to carry women burdens). I also reflected back on the showing of Buffy the Vampire when the paramedic was talking to her about her mother's death and how large he appeared to be over her as if in a stance of authority.
Advertisements have been used over time to shape and form America's most perfect society; what to wear, how to look, what to drive, right along with what to eat, drink and even sleep on. Of course if the categories given do not apply to apply to you, you are either an outcast or not good enough and your credentials are insufficient. Advertisements play on one's emotion and makes the audience feel that they should be right there with the actors/ characters of this well scripted event; you thirst and lust to be desired as the description of the product suggests. Not only do advertisements mislead and misinform its public, but it also covers up what the bare eye would despies as fault. Advertisements use many techniques to perfect their approach in gaining the hearts of their fellow man or woman; special effects, props, sounds and music, and even the covering of human flaws are used to enhance the deliverance of the special product. Just to name a few familiar ads: Nike (Just do it) whatever it may be; Lays (Can't eat just one) I mean why would someone eat just one and they've purchased a whole bag of chips; and I love the Charmin commercial where the bear absorbs water from the lake with just one square of tissue and why not when they're so absorbent.
The text also appealed to my senses when I read and observed the ads in the text about how women and men are positioned differently in ads to show the masculinity of the man and reduce the woman to a dependent to the male species (look at her she's so helpless without him, what would life be like without the strength of men to carry women burdens). I also reflected back on the showing of Buffy the Vampire when the paramedic was talking to her about her mother's death and how large he appeared to be over her as if in a stance of authority.
QR Code's CSI Moment
How prevalent are QR (Quick Response) Codes in the US in 2010? Will QR codes replace barcodes totally?
Bar codes growing smarter, more useful
Monday, June 21, 2010 Last updated: Monday June 21, 2010, 8:16 AM
BY RACHEL METZ
The Record
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN FRANCISCO — It used to be that the only time you'd notice a bar code was at a store, maybe when a cashier scanned your groceries. But lately bar codes are showing up in more places — and getting more sophisticated.
You might have seen one cousin of the traditional bar code: Known as a QR code, this jumble of little squares randomly arranged within a larger square is popping up on everything from bus stop billboards to restaurant windows. If you spot one and snap it with your cellphone camera, the device can show you a website, photo or video related to the advertiser.
Fast facts
WHAT’S HAPPENING: Variations on bar codes, once used just to track inventory at stores, are showing up with a different look and more functions.
BEYOND THE BAR: One cousin of the traditional bar code, the QR code, looks like a bunch of small squares inside a larger square. Google uses these on decals it sends to businesses.
HOW IT WORKS: Consumers read the code with a cellphone camera and scanning application, and are directed to a Web page or other online content. The codes on Google’s stickers link to a mobile version of a page where businesses can post coupons.
For example, Google Inc. is giving businesses stickers with QR codes that passers-by can scan. That brings up a link to a mobile version of a Google page where the business can post coupons and information about themselves. Soon the codes could lead to other avenues for connecting with customers in ways businesses can measure and control. That could help them target advertisements to the people who are most likely to respond to their entreaties.
Earlier attempts to get consumers to scan bar codes that link with the Web didn't get much traction. The 1990s brought the CueCat, which let publishers append their printed material with bar codes that people could scan with a handheld reader if they wanted to be taken directly to related information on their computers. The QR code (short for "quick response") also was released in the 1990s by
Japanese scanning equipment maker Denso Wave Inc.
What has changed now, though, is that consumers are increasingly engaging with their mobile devices for more than making phone calls, texting and checking e-mails. And smart phones can easily download scanning applications that make it possible for product codes to leap from store shelves to the wider world.
The bar code on your box of cookies encodes a string of numbers horizontally that a bar code reader matches with information from a central database. That's how the supermarket scanner identifies the product you're buying.
These other codes, such as QR codes, can represent data horizontally and vertically. That means they can include much more information in a smaller space, and some of them can tell the scanning app on your phone all it needs to know about which website or video to pull up, without needing to consult a database. It's unclear how many of these codes are out there, but potentially billions could be created.
Google has been using QR codes since late last year to help promote hundreds of thousands of businesses in its local listings service, known as Google Places. The company has sent the businesses decals for their windows that say, "We're a Favorite place on Google" and include a QR code at the bottom.
The idea stemmed from Google's desire to have more of a physical presence with businesses and consumers, says Ryan Hayward, a product marketing manager for Google Maps who is heading the rollout of QR code stickers.
For now, the codes lead to the mobile version of a business' page on Google Places. Eventually, Google might use the technology to pull up videos and lead to application downloads, Hayward says.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Notes for Class- Tamara Minley-Prod Elements
1. Within the text it mentioned that ideas, concepts and things do not really exist until there are words to recall categorize and talk about them. I disagree. How is this truly possible when during the prehistoric times, they used symbols and sounds, not words.
2. I agree with the book on connotative words. Upon helping my son study and read particular books for summer school that there are many words that have alternative meanings and he points them out whenever we read. He has asked me why they use the word "Lot" for a group of people when they could have just said "Group" or "Jug" when they could have said "Pitcher". this obviously irritates him. :)
3. what is the point of a panoramic view? The idea that it jumps from person to person in order to incorporate everyone's perspective into the scene is confusing.
2. I agree with the book on connotative words. Upon helping my son study and read particular books for summer school that there are many words that have alternative meanings and he points them out whenever we read. He has asked me why they use the word "Lot" for a group of people when they could have just said "Group" or "Jug" when they could have said "Pitcher". this obviously irritates him. :)
3. what is the point of a panoramic view? The idea that it jumps from person to person in order to incorporate everyone's perspective into the scene is confusing.
Teen Online Useage
Here is another article showing the opposite trend. I thought it was interesting how it pointed out the misleading headline of an article. An example of posturing to generate initial interest, then hit the audience with the less "sexy" facts.
Report shows decline in cyberbullying
(Credit: McAfee / Harris Interactive)commentary The headline of the press pitch I received a few days ago read "McAfee to release shocking findings of teen's online behavior," but the actual data from the study, "Secret Life of Teens," are far from shocking.
McAfee's study (PDF) is actually a reassuring portrait of how most young people are exercising reasonable caution in their use of technology. The study, conducted by Harris Interactive, included interviews with almost 1,400 10- to 17-year-olds.
Read More
BP PR and Legal Accountability
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Week 4 "Note Card"
In reading chapter 8 in Silverblatt, I began to think about the concepts of subplot and implicit content. I've seen countless terrible "B" movies on the SyFy channel as well as other types of programs that attempt to create subplots and have implicit functions in their characters but fail to truly impact the viewer due to lack of depth or pointlessness of the element at hand. Is a true subplot or implicit action something that truly delivers and/or suprises the viewer, or can it be weak and predictable and just a poor example of the element?
Structure anf Framework of Media Literacy
After reading chps. 7-9, I have a better understanding about the functions and operations of how media is presented and communicated. For instance, I now understand why one of the radio stations that I listen to is not formulated from a local aspect even though St. Louis has their own staff and participation in each daily segment. The show that came to mind is the Rickey Smiley morning show that is based out of Dallas. I thought that the stations formed conglamorates inorder to reach a larger audience when in reality one of the main reasons is
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Johnson & Johnson Community Support
I'm not sure if this is going to work or not since it is the first time I have ever done this..
This is a public service by Johnson and Johnson for their Safe Kids initiative. Much like the Dove spot we saw in class, J&J is reaching out to the public to show they care. The message is altruistic, however, they are still selling their brand.
http://www.safekids.org/who-we-are/sponsors/johnson-and-johnson/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56wfaA2clqY
uh... not sure what just happened. I did something else and it said the video posted. Who knows... I need to figure this out..
This is a public service by Johnson and Johnson for their Safe Kids initiative. Much like the Dove spot we saw in class, J&J is reaching out to the public to show they care. The message is altruistic, however, they are still selling their brand.
http://www.safekids.org/who-we-are/sponsors/johnson-and-johnson/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56wfaA2clqY
uh... not sure what just happened. I did something else and it said the video posted. Who knows... I need to figure this out..
THE LETTER PEOPLE!!
This was another great show from my childhood that was educational....and now that I watch it Scary. It is a great example of how education was mixed into an entertainment format.
The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody [Original Version]
This is a great example of the type of media I grew up....not the Bohemian Rhapsody per se.....but definately the muppets. I loved how Jim Henson took these characters/puppets and created a whole world that people my age and older and younger loved/love/will love.
Brand Names
I have always been a brand name grocery and consumer goods shopper. A vast majority of my grocery and consumer good purchases are repeat purchases for I am a brand loyalist. I only buy Dove soap, Tide washing detergent, Heinz ketchup, Granny Smith apples, and list continues.
Why? I personally have conscious and unconscious rationales for these shopping behaviors. We have history; these are the brands that I grew up using, I like these brands. Also, I have been conditioned to believe that brand names are better; based on the assumption that you get what you pay for.
Generic products tend to be of a cheaper and/or poorer quality. For example, Equate, is generic brand that offers cheaper and inferior consumer good products as compared to Johnson & Johnson. I can think of several more examples of brand products that are better that the generics. I cannot however recollect any generics products that a better alternative than brand names.
Related Articles
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2733109/generics_or_names_are_they_the_same.html?cat=42
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/520563/brand_names_vs_the_unknown_are_you.html?singlepage=true&cat=46
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1482890/top_five_global_brand_names.html?cat=3
Why? I personally have conscious and unconscious rationales for these shopping behaviors. We have history; these are the brands that I grew up using, I like these brands. Also, I have been conditioned to believe that brand names are better; based on the assumption that you get what you pay for.
Generic products tend to be of a cheaper and/or poorer quality. For example, Equate, is generic brand that offers cheaper and inferior consumer good products as compared to Johnson & Johnson. I can think of several more examples of brand products that are better that the generics. I cannot however recollect any generics products that a better alternative than brand names.
Related Articles
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2733109/generics_or_names_are_they_the_same.html?cat=42
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/520563/brand_names_vs_the_unknown_are_you.html?singlepage=true&cat=46
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1482890/top_five_global_brand_names.html?cat=3
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is my favorite cd! This is the only cd that i have been able to enjoy every single song on and some how relate and feel connected to the artist. Lauryn Hill touched on life, love, self and letting go. When Hill's cd came out, I played it every single day, for approximately 2 months straight. Hill started her career with the Fugees, which were a hip hop jazz/rap group that consisted of Wyclef, Hill and Pras. You all my recognize Hill from the movie Sister Act. Lauryn Hill is well known for her revised version of Roberta Flack's "killing me softly". The production of this cd was phenomenal. There are multiple people who had a hand on this project. You have the writers who write the songs, you have the musicians and each intrument plays a part in the delivery of the song.
I have attached one of the most popular songs from her cd "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill"
Another song that you might me familiar with even if you are not familiar with Hill, is "Can't take my eyes off of you"
Genine Byrd
I have attached one of the most popular songs from her cd "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill"
Another song that you might me familiar with even if you are not familiar with Hill, is "Can't take my eyes off of you"
Genine Byrd
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The evolution of Burger King
In the 70's Burger King commercials focused on having service/ food "your way". Then Burger King commercials began to play on children's interest by using childhood actors to make their advertisements more effective and using the most popular toys/ cartoons to reinforce their marketing strategies. Who could say no to such adorable kids, right? Now Burger King has created its own "Ultra Lord" and advertise commercials toward men claiming "I am man, hear me roar" or atleast belch as I enjoy this fulfilling manly burger-of-a-meal that is way to masculine and not prissy unenough to be suitable for a woman.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Favorite Media Piece
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSG807d3P-U
a. The Targeted audience within this television ad appears to be Men. The purpose is to get more men to eat fish sandwiches from McDonalds. It is a humorous commercial, which attracts young and older men, but the focus may primarily be on the group of 13-25. The catchy tune and animated antics of the bass on the wall, plays to a man's need to hunt and fish for sport, but if they are unable to fish they can always grab a fish sandwich from McDonalds.
b. The function behind this advertisement is to persuade Men to purchase fish sandwiches while also providing them with entertainment, i.e. the catchy tune and humorous characters. Most men tend to buy the beef products (quarter pounder w/cheese, big mac, etc). This is also a form of Multiple Function. It is obvious that the commercial is to get people to buy a filet o’fish, but it is also to get MEN to purchase a filet o’fish. It coerces others to purchase through humor and the catchy jingle. Men like goofy humor check out this unprofessional video made by men: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-kvxLdiSLc&feature=related
c. Both of the commercials that were viewed seem to be directed at the same audience. There is no difference between the messages that is implied that could be seen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIq92yp_a0c&feature=related
a. The Targeted audience within this television ad appears to be Men. The purpose is to get more men to eat fish sandwiches from McDonalds. It is a humorous commercial, which attracts young and older men, but the focus may primarily be on the group of 13-25. The catchy tune and animated antics of the bass on the wall, plays to a man's need to hunt and fish for sport, but if they are unable to fish they can always grab a fish sandwich from McDonalds.
b. The function behind this advertisement is to persuade Men to purchase fish sandwiches while also providing them with entertainment, i.e. the catchy tune and humorous characters. Most men tend to buy the beef products (quarter pounder w/cheese, big mac, etc). This is also a form of Multiple Function. It is obvious that the commercial is to get people to buy a filet o’fish, but it is also to get MEN to purchase a filet o’fish. It coerces others to purchase through humor and the catchy jingle. Men like goofy humor check out this unprofessional video made by men: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-kvxLdiSLc&feature=related
c. Both of the commercials that were viewed seem to be directed at the same audience. There is no difference between the messages that is implied that could be seen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIq92yp_a0c&feature=related
Notes for Class- Tamara Minley
- I do not agree with McLuhan’s idea that the medium is the message. I see his theory holding somewhat true as important events may be downplayed, but that is the communicators fault, not the medium. I don’t believe that the medium itself such as, television, radio, newspaper or internet, determines how the message is understood or translated by the audience. I believe that the communicator is definitely the main cause for any miscommunication and/or misunderstanding no matter which medium you use to relay a message.
- There is a comparison made on page 24 regarding the signing of the Treaty of Ghent; that took nearly two months to spread the information and the death of Princess Diana and the news being immediate. I am sure that they are trying to reference the way technology is more expedient now days than before but I don’t think the examples they used are comparative.
- Explain Multiple Function further…
Monday, June 14, 2010
Color Television — Infoplease.com
Production Elements
Color Television — Infoplease.com
Imagine watching an episode of your favorite television show; now imagine it's the early 1950's and you're watching the exact same same show. What is the difference, what is missing? Most importantly, the color! Television, initially a black and white medium received a major upgrade to color production. Color adds an extra dimension of information and entertainment; before color was introduce television viewers had heard but never seen of Lucille Ball red hair. Without color television would the Home Shopping Network, televised fashion show, or color themed sitcoms HGTV's Color Splash thrive and exist.
Television's transition to color faced several challenges. Very similar to the challenges presented by the recent switch to High Definition television. Many people did not have the signals or equipment necessary to reap the benefits of the upgrade to color nor HD. I personally can't imagine watching television without any color. Will day come that the following statement is widely valid, I can't imagine watching television with out high definition.
Color Television — Infoplease.com
Imagine watching an episode of your favorite television show; now imagine it's the early 1950's and you're watching the exact same same show. What is the difference, what is missing? Most importantly, the color! Television, initially a black and white medium received a major upgrade to color production. Color adds an extra dimension of information and entertainment; before color was introduce television viewers had heard but never seen of Lucille Ball red hair. Without color television would the Home Shopping Network, televised fashion show, or color themed sitcoms HGTV's Color Splash thrive and exist.
Television's transition to color faced several challenges. Very similar to the challenges presented by the recent switch to High Definition television. Many people did not have the signals or equipment necessary to reap the benefits of the upgrade to color nor HD. I personally can't imagine watching television without any color. Will day come that the following statement is widely valid, I can't imagine watching television with out high definition.
The Reality of Production Elements
In class this week we will be looking at three different reality television shows and discussing their similarity in terms of production elements. Below are the clip selections we will be using:
Production elements within drug marketing
Take a look at the commercial below. This is a television advertisement for the anti-depressant Cymbalta that can be found on youtube.
Initially the video is shot from a second person point of view. The viewer is supposed to feel as if they are viewing life passing them by on a television screen. This is evident by the television lines that are present and the soft glow around the shot as if to simulate a TV screen in the dark. Also written indicators on the screen of "Record" and the date along with the universally indicated red "recording" dot simulate the viewing of a home movie. The use of this particular point of view coupled with the music that is playing in a minor key all give the viewer a sense of separation and sadness. They are apart from these people that are so obviously enjoying life and cannot "break through" into that world which they are separate from.
The ad then cuts to a series of shots that are designed to invoke this same feeling of being alone and separate. The first is of a man leaning against a shelving unit in what appears to be a closet. The actors performance fills the space, by leaning backward and looking up, as if in a state of helplessness. The space seems to be confining which is detailed by the way the shelving unit stretches behind the man and the tiny opening that is the doorway. This gives the viewer the sense that options for leaving the room are limited. The invisible "forth wall" is blocked by the viewer themselves and is also accentuated by the windows in the background. That grayish cast is designed to convey a sense of feeling downtrodden.
What do you see in the second and third cuts of the commercial that keep this same sense of "depression" alive for the viewer? What changes occur within the music once the name of the product is mentioned? What changes do you see after the product is introduced? Specifically what is different about the lighting, pacing, music etc.? Discuss in the comments below
Initially the video is shot from a second person point of view. The viewer is supposed to feel as if they are viewing life passing them by on a television screen. This is evident by the television lines that are present and the soft glow around the shot as if to simulate a TV screen in the dark. Also written indicators on the screen of "Record" and the date along with the universally indicated red "recording" dot simulate the viewing of a home movie. The use of this particular point of view coupled with the music that is playing in a minor key all give the viewer a sense of separation and sadness. They are apart from these people that are so obviously enjoying life and cannot "break through" into that world which they are separate from.
The ad then cuts to a series of shots that are designed to invoke this same feeling of being alone and separate. The first is of a man leaning against a shelving unit in what appears to be a closet. The actors performance fills the space, by leaning backward and looking up, as if in a state of helplessness. The space seems to be confining which is detailed by the way the shelving unit stretches behind the man and the tiny opening that is the doorway. This gives the viewer the sense that options for leaving the room are limited. The invisible "forth wall" is blocked by the viewer themselves and is also accentuated by the windows in the background. That grayish cast is designed to convey a sense of feeling downtrodden.
What do you see in the second and third cuts of the commercial that keep this same sense of "depression" alive for the viewer? What changes occur within the music once the name of the product is mentioned? What changes do you see after the product is introduced? Specifically what is different about the lighting, pacing, music etc.? Discuss in the comments below
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Chapter 10 "Note Card"
I enjoyed reading on page 174 the importance of lighting in the film Bladerunner. Subtle, dim lighting is something audiences can take for granted when viewing a film or television. We know that it can give off a certain mood of a scene, but it's not often that it's used for the theme of an entire motion picture. Usually dim lighting can be seen as a poor decision or flaw of the director, especially in media such as filmed interviews, which I've seen, and becomes a huge distraction.
On page 175, Natalie Angier mentions how the "cute" factor causes some cars to sell and others not to, like SUVs. I'm not sure when this was written, but I think it's important to note that there have also been some modifications to SUVs like the Jeep Liberty and Ford Escape to also appear "cuter," more compact and even rounder, as well as having better milage for SUVs.
The defenition for the natural predisposition for order (gestalt) on page 179 is interesting, but I would like to know more about whether or not imbalance and things being out of order also stimulate certain people. It would seem plausible that perhaps a smaller portion of the population prefer disorder and a lack of equal distribution as aesthetically pleasing or artistic. And when these artistically disordered products or media are seen by the public, are they met with more or less appreciation?
On page 175, Natalie Angier mentions how the "cute" factor causes some cars to sell and others not to, like SUVs. I'm not sure when this was written, but I think it's important to note that there have also been some modifications to SUVs like the Jeep Liberty and Ford Escape to also appear "cuter," more compact and even rounder, as well as having better milage for SUVs.
The defenition for the natural predisposition for order (gestalt) on page 179 is interesting, but I would like to know more about whether or not imbalance and things being out of order also stimulate certain people. It would seem plausible that perhaps a smaller portion of the population prefer disorder and a lack of equal distribution as aesthetically pleasing or artistic. And when these artistically disordered products or media are seen by the public, are they met with more or less appreciation?
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Media Log
WeekdayMedia Format Comp Activity Vol/In Vol Work/Rec Time
Car Radio Driving Voluntary Recreational 92min
Internet(multiple med) phone,people, email Voluntary Both 6hrs
Internet Radio(Cross) email,phone, projects Voluntary Recreational 3hr 23mn
WeekendMediaFormat Comp Activity Vol/In Vol Work/Rec Time
TV(multiple med) kids, phone both Recreational 4hrs
Internet movies(cross) kids, phone voluntary Recreational 2hr 18mn
Car Radio Driving,phone Voluntary Recreational 36min
The amont of consumption did not surprise me. I thought it would be more, and perhaps in some circumstances it is. I do not have a set pattern on my media behaviors because my time available is sporadic. I have a very hectic work and home schedule and things change daily. I did notice that my time was much higher in the internet and radio areas mostly because i travel alot and work and manage school assignments via internet.
Car Radio Driving Voluntary Recreational 92min
Internet(multiple med) phone,people, email Voluntary Both 6hrs
Internet Radio(Cross) email,phone, projects Voluntary Recreational 3hr 23mn
WeekendMediaFormat Comp Activity Vol/In Vol Work/Rec Time
TV(multiple med) kids, phone both Recreational 4hrs
Internet movies(cross) kids, phone voluntary Recreational 2hr 18mn
Car Radio Driving,phone Voluntary Recreational 36min
The amont of consumption did not surprise me. I thought it would be more, and perhaps in some circumstances it is. I do not have a set pattern on my media behaviors because my time available is sporadic. I have a very hectic work and home schedule and things change daily. I did notice that my time was much higher in the internet and radio areas mostly because i travel alot and work and manage school assignments via internet.
Hillshire Farms Advertisments~Tamara Minley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5oN4Z0Qe9E&feature=related
Hillshire farms directed at upper class society
http://www.youtube.com/user/mac12g4#p/a/f/1/Z8_wr0tGP_0
Hillshire farms directed at men
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqOXWljSFL4
Hillshire farms directed at mom's and kids
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwJZEKQNd7M&feature=related
Hillshire farms directed at women
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_CmXCU_LKw&NR=1
Hillshire farms directed towards African Americans while spoofing others.
Hillshire farms directed at upper class society
http://www.youtube.com/user/mac12g4#p/a/f/1/Z8_wr0tGP_0
Hillshire farms directed at men
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqOXWljSFL4
Hillshire farms directed at mom's and kids
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwJZEKQNd7M&feature=related
Hillshire farms directed at women
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_CmXCU_LKw&NR=1
Hillshire farms directed towards African Americans while spoofing others.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Critique Example for Tonights class - SATC
Article used:
Wignall, Alice. "Can a Feminist Really Love Sex and the City?" guardian.co.uk. The Guardian
Newspaper, 16 April 2008. Web. 2 June 2010.
Wignall, Alice. "Can a Feminist Really Love Sex and the City?" guardian.co.uk. The Guardian
Newspaper, 16 April 2008. Web. 2 June 2010.
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