Class and Status

Within this media clip, the representation of class and status can found. By deconstructing the clip, we are able to anaylse these representations and understand the way in which the characters have been classified in terms of class and status.

Immediately - as soon as the clip starts we discover that the two youths have a child. We know this because of the narrative that can be heard. This sound is diegetic and synchronous due to the fact that it is part of the storyline and can be heard on screen. The narrative indicates that the two are arguing about their child together. The working class are typically associated with having loads of children or having children at a young age. This demonstrates that the two are in the working class category as they follow the stereotypical behaviour of the working class. We also hear a gunshot within the scene when Maxine gets shot by the lad. This sound is diegetic as it is part of the storyline but asynchronous as we do need see him actually shooting her on the screen - just the reaction and sound of the gun. The fact that the lad had a gun is something that is associated with violence and crime. It is stereotypical for the working class to be the most likely to carry a gun for uses of crime. Although the upper class have guns, they only use them for hunting rather than shooting other people. This is a clear demonstration at the fact that the lad is working class. When the lad is walking down the street, we hear police sirens and the police officer shouting demands. Both of these sounds are synchronous and diegetic. The fact that the lad listened to the armed police officer indicates a sense of high status. This is due to the fact that the lad obeyed the rules of the police officer and therefore indicates authority from the police officer.

The clothing indicates to the audience the class and status of the characters involved. The young couple at the beginning of the clip demonstrate the working class. We know this because it is common to see those who're unemployed or in poverty wearing jewellery that can be seen easily. The fact that the girl is wearing big hooped earrings and the lad is wearing a gold chain around his neck indicates that they're working class as it is associated with those in that category to be seen wearing accessories like that. The fact that the lad has a gun indicates that he is a lower class as it is commonly associated with people who're involved in crimes and drugs dealing. The other people within the clip to have guns are the police. The difference between the size and capacity of the guns that the police have compared to the gun that the lad has indicates that the police have more power than him and therefore have the authority over him. Thus demonstrating that the police are of a higher status than the young lad. The use of police cars, guns and police officers indicates a sense of realism within the scene. This makes the audience see that the police are more powerful than the lad and therefore can detain him. 

The short cuts during the shooting scene indicate a sense of fast pace. This fast pace therefore highlights the overall appearance of the scene. The fast pace allows for the audience to see the reaction of both of the girls to the way in which the lad is behaving. The fact that she is encouraging him further also demonstrates that they're argumentative and that she doesn't care if it goes wrong. The short cuts also allow for the audience to see how they behave around one another. The fact that the girl is seen to be arguing with him even though she knows he has a gun in one of the shots shows the audience that she is a lower class as she isn't thinking about her own personal safety - just ensuring that she wins the argument against him. 

When the young lad is seen to be walking down the street and the police turn up, the shots used make the audience feel like they are against the young lad and his behaviour prior to that scene. The shots shown indicate that the cameraman is behind the police officers and therefore captures some of their blurred bodies in the shots. By doing this, it allows for the audience to feel like they have status over the young lad - much like the police officers. Although the police officers have a higher status than the young lad, they are still considered working class and middle class as they work in the police force but have that sense of authority in which the boy doesn't have.

Media Ownership

Media ownership from StephWebb

Disney

Disney from StephWebb

The Inbetweeners

The inbetweeners from StephWebb

“Cross-media convergence and synergy are vital processes in the successful marketing of media products to audiences.” To what extent do you agree with this statement in relation to your chosen media area?

“Cross-media convergence and synergy are vital processes in the successful marketing of media products to audiences.” To what extent do you agree with this statement in relation to your chosen media area?

In order to answer the question above, we must first establish what cross-media convergence and synergy actually are in terms of media. Cross-media convergence is defined as the combining of two or more mediums i.e. TV/film/computer/websites/radio etc. Whereas, synergy is the releasing of 2 or more products at once that promote one another. Synergy works when different elements of companies work together. This is best done by a media conglomerate (big companies that own the different elements). Synergy has a much larger effect than if one product were to exist alone. They have a mutually beneficial relationship as they are symbiotic. The marketing proportion of a film is defined as the action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising. In order for the film to be successful, it must be marketed correctly and efficiently in order to advertise and make sales.

Cross-media convergence and synergy are very important processes when dealing with the marketing of films. This is due to the fact that these different types of marketing allow for a larger effect. This therefore means that a wider audience can be reached and this means that there is a higher chance for a potential profit to be made. Cross-media convergence and synergy have been used for films like Skyfall and Ill Manors. Sony Pictures' Skyfall was released at the same time as Sony-owned soundtrack CD (which placed at number 1 for weeks in the charts). This CD charting benefited both the soundtrack and the film. This was due to the fact that the soundtrack made money and profit but also promoted and created hype about the film.This was similar to Ill Manors where the film was released the same time as Plan B's CD and soundtrack which charted number one in the UK charts. This benefited both the soundtrack and film similar to Skyfall. Due to the fact that the artist who sung Skyfall was more famous than the artist who soundtracked against Ill Manors, the popularity and hype was bigger for Skyfall than it was for Ill Manors. Due to the fact that Sony are a wide company, they were able to release a new TV and adverts which featured Skyfall when promoting it. Both of the DVDs were advertised on the websites of each individual film. Due to the fact that Skyfall are a bigger company than the company who created Ill Manors, merchandise was able to be marketed in order to create a hype about the film. The selling of the merchandise encouraged people to talk about the film. By selling merchandise, profit can be made and therefore gross of the film becomes more than that of Ill Manors.

To what extent does digital distribution affect the marketing and consumption of media products in the media area you have studied?

Digital distribution affects the marketing and consumption of films within today's economy. Digital distribution is the use of techniques that deliver the content of a media product in a digital format. This means that things like the web 2.0 have become a more important factor in institutions and audience's lives when it comes to the way in which media is marketed and consumed. The marketing element is the action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising. By advertising to the targeted audience, more awareness is raised and therefore consumption is easier for the targeted audience. Consumption is defined as the way in which an audience watches a film. The consumption of a film can be the make or break of the profit given to be institutions.

Digital distribution has changed massively over the years. This is due to the fact that there are more possibilities for the audience to consume a film through a variety of different technologies. An advantage for institutions of digital distribution is the fact that it is a lot cheaper than traditional distribution. This means that a film's file can be created and given to cinemas or put on DVDs using one file compared to traditional methods of distribution where loads of roles of a film would have to be made and distributed separately. Although there is a profit to be made, it would tend not to be much. This is due to the fact that most people still tend to think that the web 2.0 is a free service and therefore don't tend to pay for films when watching online streaming. The problem with digital distribution is the fact that copies can easily be remade and due to the fact that the film is on a film, it can be hacked into and downloaded illegally. This download would then get put onto the web 2.0 where a lot of people watch it illegally. This means a loss for institutions as the distribution of their film is being distributed by someone else rather than themselves. DVDs are an important digital distribution as they can have a massive impact on the revenue of the film. This point is proven in the fact that The Hunger Games have sold over 5.3 millions copies since it's release in 2012. By digitally distributing their film through DVDs, there is a bigger chance of a profit due to the fact that people may not be able to attend the cinema during the timeframe which the film is shown and therefore buy it so they are able to watch it.

Digital distribution - DVDs, TV, VOD (Video on Demand), online streaming.
- Cheaper and quicker to do than traditional distribution.
- Disadvantage: higher chance of piracy (being downloaded illegally).

The marketing of a film through digital distribution can determine the success of reaching the intended target audience. The latest digital technologies allow for Institutions have an ability to be able to use digital distribution to promote their film. Digitally distributing a film is much more effective than traditional ways of promoting a film i.e by putting posters around the area. The audience is more likely to see the digital way of marketing due to the fact that in this day and age, most people have access to the internet. Institutions are market their film through technologies like TV and online. A benefit of using online services like social networking sites is that it's extremely cheap for institutions to promote their film and in return they can create a lot of interest of hype about the film. The Hunger Games was one of the few successful films to create a hype about the film before it's release in cinemas. A Facebook page and Twitter page where people could get updates, teasers and interviews with the cast members prior to the release. By doing this, they benefited massively as they gained a lot of interest from an audience who wanted to go and see the film. They also benefited in the fact that marketing using social networking is extremely cheap as costs are small. Currently, it is free to make a page on Facebook and Twitter and therefore it wouldn't of cost the institutions much. By releasing a trailer and teasers of the film, it encouraged people to go and watch it. This digital technology would not of been possible years ago and therefore the difference between the amount of people who were aware of a film through digital distribution marketing compared to those who were aware of the film through traditional distribution marketing is huge. Most of people's time is spent on their phone/on the interest. It therefore is hugely important for institutions to market their film digitally as the potential audience would be much higher than if it were to be traditionally marketed. Since the development of the TV, it has been easier to market films through TV adverts. Although this is an expensive option for institutions to fund, the amount of people who it reaches/attracts is beneficial towards the promotion of the film.  

Marketing - on the web 2.0: social networking sites, trailers, interviews and teasers online i.e. Youtube or Facebook helps spread awareness of upcoming films without high cost - setting up a Facebook page and Youtube account is free and therefore no loss is made on the marketing of a film. The audience are still made aware of the film with little cost.
- TV adverts: expensive to produce and continually shown but audience is reached on a bigger scale (wider audience).

Digital distribution through consumption allows for the audience to be able to view the film at their connivence. Audiences can now watch films through DVDs, TV and online.

Consumption - DVDS, TV, online, mobile devices etc.
- Easier.
- Home viewing.
- More convenient 

Gender representation

Within this clip of Doctor Who, the representation of gender can be analysed through the use of camera shots, sound, editing and mise-en-scene in order to evaluate whether this clip follows media stereotypes in regards to gender or whether it challenges the common conceptions of femininity and masculinity.

As soon as the clip begins, it is possible to see a contradiction within the emotions of the man and the woman. The tracking shots of both of them allow for the audience to understand how they're both feeling. The man's facial expression indicates a sense of smugness due to the fat he is currently the one who has the most power within the room. The woman's facial expression shows how vulnerable she is as she walks towards the man. This vulnerable behaviour is stereotypically associated with female characteristics. While this is happening, we hear diegetic and synchronous noise that has been put into this part of the clip. The volume of the music has been made loud in order to create the suspense as he thinks he is in power. The music therefore creates a powerful and loud atmosphere to fit with the scene.  We also see the woman get onto her knees after she is told to do so by the man. This shot demonstrates the authority that the man has over the woman. The way she is looking up towards him also gives a sense that he is higher up because he is on the stairs but also because he has more power than she does in that moment. 

An over the shoulder shot has been used to demonstrate that the woman is throwing the object to the man in which he had requested. Within this shot, we see a woman dressed in a red dress behind the man. She is seen to be standing still and not saying a word. The way she is dressed implies that she is there to look good rather than to help the man out.  The use of red represents love and danger. Her hair has also been made up to make her look more appealing for the attention of the males who're watching Dr.Who. This representation gives the male audience a reasoning for them to think of her as a sex object.  

Although at the beginning of the clip, we see the man as the more dominant one of the two, towards the end we begin to see her answering back to the male. She starts to give attitude to the man and makes him worry about the situation that he is in. This change in power creates a dramatic atmosphere and therefore demonstrates transgressive behaviour as the woman begins to take control of the situation and makes the man feel uncomfortable/awkward at the fact that he has been played at his own game. 

I think that this clip shows a both the man and woman showing their own gender characteristics and also showing the opposite gender characteristics. The woman is first vulnerable compared to the authoritative man and then the woman becomes to main powered person in the room and the man starts to become vulnerable because his plan is being ruined. 

KEYWORDS THAT MUST BE USED:
- Realism = techniques that make the piece more realistic (what things look like).
- Verisimilitude (very similar too) = construction/appearance of being true/believable (what actually happened).
- Denotation = something that signifies something else (a symbol).
- Connotation = An idea that creates an additional meaning + it's primary meaning. 
 - Stereotypes - judging people and putting them into certain categories (large groups). 

How your experiences of media consumption illustrates wider patterns and trends

In recent years, consumption of media products have changed dramatically. The expansion in how media products are consumed has had a big impact on the both the institutions and audience. Within this question, I am going to discuss the different ways in which I consume films.

In order to consume films, I go to the cinema quite often. I think that going to the cinema to watch a film allows for the overall experience to be more entertaining. I personally enjoy being at the cinema as viewing the film on a big screen makes the film appear more dramatic to the audience. This is due to the fact that the cinema experience is louder and bigger than watching the film at home. The cinema also does 3D showings in which I go to see the latest movies that are out in 3D. This change in dimension means that cinemas had have to change the way they show films. By having 3D screens, more people have been encouraged to go to the cinema to watch the film for the experience of being at a cinema and getting out of the house. Although there has been a change in the experience and dimension of films at the cinema, statistics indicate a decrease in the amount of people who go to the cinema. In 1945 approximately 1,585 (million) people went to the cinema, compared to 169.2 (million) in 2010. This is due to the fact that consumption has become more advanced and more methods have been made. Netflix statistics show that the research carried out on the 5/3/2013 indicated that Netflix had 29.2 million subscribers. This gives an indication into the fact that more people are using online services in order to watch films instead of going to the cinema.   

The way in which I find out about the films that are on in the cinema is through the marketing in which the institutions do. I watch TV quite a lot and trailers and teasers are commonly marketed on channels where there are potential target audiences for the viewing of the film. I also use social networking sites everyday and adverts, tweets and posts are shared and spread through word of mouth on sites like Twitter and Facebook. By sharing the film, I find out what other people who use social networking sites think of that specific film in which they watched. This therefore gives me an idea as to whether I want to go watch the film myself. The Hunger Games used Facebook prior to the release of the film in order to create 'hype' about the film. By doing this, word of mouth got around and therefore demonstrates the way in which films have been marketed. Another way in which I find out about the latest biggest movies is through my friends. Often, my friends follow actors and actresses on Twitter and Facebook. The actors and actresses often promote the films that they are staring in and therefore word of mouth spreads. Due to the fact that my friends follow them, they get informed and therefore check the trailer for the film. The therefore go to watch the film even if it looks bad because of the people who're staring in it. They then therefore ask me to go and I say yes and go to watch it at the cinema. Often, we are into the same actors and actresses so have the same taste - this means that we all go to the cinema together to consume the chosen film of our choice. 

Another way in which I consume films is through DVDs. I tend to get DVDs from companies like Play.Com, Amazon, Ebay and retail shops. When the hunger games came out, the domestic DVD sales was approximately $138,761,678 and the Blu-Ray sales were $64,289,451. When Fish Tank was released, it flopped at the Box Office and therefore DVD sales could not be found. My brother has a Blu-Ray player in his room that was quite a lot compared to how cheap it is nowadays. This therefore means that my family buy both DVD and Blu-Ray discs in order to watch them. I therefore to watch Blu-Ray discs as the quality is a lot better and there are more extras on the disc compared to a DVD. This therefore means that you can interact more with the film itself as you are able to decide whether you want to watch the Director's cut or the normal cut and whether you want to watch extras like bloopers or deleted scenes. 

I tend to watch films whose production companies are well known as I can be guaranteed quality. Larger companies are able to produce better quality films as they are able to have better equipment to shoot with. The camera in which fish tank used was the Arriflex 35 IIC. This cost roughly $15,000 compared to the camera that was used to film The Hunger Games  which cost $55,000 upwards. This difference in price means that more established companies like Lionsgate who produced The Hunger Games have a better opportunity than BBC Films. The hunger games was released in order 70 different countries and had an opening weekend turnover of $152,535,747 compared to Fish Tank - which was released in 
over 40 countries and had an opening weekend turnover of $25,854.

Section B - Case Study

'Sket'

'Sket' from StephWebb

H/W due 20th March

 What significance does the continuing development of digital media technology have for media institutions and audiences? 

The continuing development of digital media technology has a huge impact on media 
institutions and audiences. Digital media technology is important when it comes to distributing
and marketing a film.  It allows for companies to distribute and market the film(s) through a 
broader range of technologies in order to create a bigger opportunity to make more profit. 

Production is impacted by the use of digital media technology. The use of computer generated 
images, computer software, special effects and digital cameras have helped massively in the
production of films within the film industry. Films such as Lion King (1994) (Production 
companies: Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Feature Animation) which budgeted at 
$45,000,000 and had a gross of $422,783,777, Shrek (2001) (Production companies: 
DreamWorks Animation, DreamWorks SKG and Pacific Data Images) which budgeted at $60,000,000 and had a gross of $267,652,016, and Monster's Inc (2001) (Production
companies: Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios) which was budgeted at 
$115,000,000 and had a gross profit of $289,907,418 have relied heavily on these types of equipment in order to advance from other films. To use this software may be time consuming,
but improves the overall appearance of the film. Toy Story, Shrek and Monsters Inc all cost 
millions of dollars/pounds to make (as se but as they were done efficiently with the software 
and CGI, they made millions in terms of revenue. 



Using digital media technology has many advantages for the companies that have their films
distributed and marketed. One advantage of using digital media is that it can be cheap to 
market a film using technologies such as the internet and social networking sites. If a company decides to market their film online, it can cheap or potentially it can be free. Creating pages or accounts on social networking like Facebook and Twitter doesn't cost anything to make. The
use of social networking allows for the target audience to be captured easier than it would've 
been without digital media. If a company decides to use social networking, they are likely to
gain the attention of potential audiences who will go and watch the film. Something that cost
next to nothing to market, can make a huge profit as the audience see it advertised and decide 
to go watch it.

Another advantage of digital media technology is the fact that it is easier to distribute a film. 
There are a wider range of technologies that now show the film. This can be things such as
Youtube, Lovefilm and Netflix. These benefit the distributors a it is a simpler way of distributing 
a film without it being costly or time consuming. The only problem with using these digital 
technologies is that the film can be pirated and therefore the company does not make money
from that viewing. This affects the companies as they miss out on potential profit. As the digital
media continues, the likelihood of this continuing is still present and therefore it has a 
significant effect on the company. A way to reduce this is by using the same common release
dates in different countries.


Big film companies like Universal and Warner will have a 
higher budget for distribution and marketing and therefore will 
take more advantage of the digital media technologies. Using 
the best possible software and equipment allows for their film 
to be made at a better quality than smaller companies. It is 
common for companies to use green screens. An example of a successful film that used CGI and green screens is 'Avatar'. 
Avatar was made in 2009 and the film production companies 
who created it were Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, 
Dune Entertainment and Ingenious Film Partners. They
 budgeted the  film at $237,000,000 and it had a gross of $760,505,847. Avatar used a lot of CGI in order to create 
the creatures that were seen in the film. The use of green
 screens occurred a lot too, in order to create the realistic backgrounds. 



A way in which a film can be exhibited is through IMAX Cinema. 
This type of cinema allows for the audience to interact with 
what is going on within the film. This is because IMAX cinemas
 show viewings of 3D films. These cinemas ensure that the 
consumers get the best possible experience when watching 
one of the films that are being shown there. Another way in 
which 3D films can be consumed is through home viewing. Consumers can watch 3D films at the comfort of their own
 homes - as long as they have a 3D TV, glasses and a 3D DVD system. This is not common
for most people to have and therefore cinemas have been made specifically to ensure that audiences still get the chance to consume a film without having to pay for the equipment
needed for a home system. By enticing people to watch these 3D films are cinemas like IMAX,
they are encouraging them to buy the cinema products and use word of mouth in order for the
review of the film to go around. The only problem with IMAX cinemas is that the films that are produced have to be produced differently to normal films. They also have to be distributed 
differently as well. This difference in production and distribution can cost more than it would
 to produce and distribute a normal film. However, the experience for the audience is a lot 
better and therefore consumption by the audience is favourited highly as they feel like
they're involved with the film themselves.

Technological convergence can also be thought of when dealing with the exhibition of a film. 
Digital media technologies like the internet and mobile phones have been developed in order
to allow for the audience to consume a film in a specific way. The mobile phone used to be
used for ringing and texting but now can get access to the internet and films via the internet
or by downloading. Things on the internet like Youtube allow for trailers for to be put onto the internet for consumption by the audience. 

Uk Film - Fish Tank

Uk film from StephWebb

Gender h/w

Within this Dr Who clip, gender can be represented through camera work, sound, editing and mise-en-scene. 

At the beginning of the clip, a tracking shot is used to follow the first man we see. This shot indicates a sense of masculinity through the use of his facial expression and body language. His facial expression shows the audience that he has a sense of aggression within his eyes. This allows for them to see that he is showing signs of masculinity because it is common for men to act tough. The man is showing traits and characteristics related to masculinity that also include a strong posture when he walks and a serious appearance in his face to allow them to see that he is being tough. The next shot contrasts against the previous one of the man. This shot shows a woman who is walking towards him. Her facial expression and body language also help the audience to deconstruct her gender. Her body language is reserved and her facial expression shows a sense of vulnerability and passiveness. These traits are commonly associated with being feminine. This allows for the audience to see that she is showing traits associated with being a woman. The low angled shot of the man that is shown after the woman gets on her knees shows a sense of authority. This is due to the fact that she is looking up to him and this has been emphasised by the angle of the camera. This shot shows how she is seeing him and looking up towards him. The sense of authority is commonly associated with men as they have more power than woman. He is therefore showing traits that are masculine.

The first sound we hear is that of the music which is played as the first shot is of the man. This music is non-diegetic and asynchronous due to the fact that it is not part of the storyline and can be heard but occurs offscreen. The music that can be heard is very powerful and directly influences the audience. This music reminded me of cowboy scene in which cowboys are about to fight. This therefore influenced me to think that he was trying to pick a fight with the woman because he was acting big. By using this music, it makes the audience think that he is evil and that he shows characteristics associated with being a tough man. When everyone is saying 'doctor', the man shouts 'I ORDER YOU TO STOP'. This sound that we hear is diegetic and synchronous due to the fact that it is part of the storyline and it occurs on screen. The fact that he is trying to use his authority in that particular situation indicates that he is not afraid to try and take charge. This therefore shows a sense of masculinity. The fact that he isn't strong enough and doesn't have enough authority indicates a sense of femininity because he isn't been listened to and doesn't have control over other people or the situation. 

The clothing varies within this clip. The main man and his assistant are seen to be dressed really smartly. The man is wearing a suit and tie and his assistant is wearing a tight red dress. This can be associated with being feminine as woman like to look good and try to dress to impress other people. This therefore indicates that the woman is being feminine and the man is showing signs of femininity. As the main woman goes on to explain her plan to the man and the doctor, the man's facial expression changes. At the beginning of the clip he looked smug and appeared tough but as she explained it his facial expression changed into one of a vulnerable one. This therefore shows that he displays both feminine and masculine traits. The woman's facial expression changes from vulnerable and becomes tougher. This also shows both masculine and feminine traits. The contradiction of the two types of gender that both the man and woman display, shows that traits are not specific to the sex of the person but instead their reactions and the situation. 

An eyeline match is seen as the woman gets onto her knees. This eyeline match is used to indicate that she is looking up towards the man who told her to get on her knees. This eyeline match shows a sense of authority of behalf of the man. This sense of authority is a common trait associated with being a man because they possess more authority and power than woman. There are both long and short shots found within this clip. A few of the shots that are short are of the clock as it counts down. This is effective because it shows the power that the man possesses and the fact that it is his clock. The counting down of the clock makes the audience feel more suspense as to if the world will get blown or if it will get saved. The ticking of the clock shows power which is associated with being in charge of the situation. They are commonly known to be men rather than women because they are more tough and have more authority. 

Sexuality h/w

Sexuality is represented through the use of camera shots, sound, editing and mise-en-scene. Through these four areas, the clip can be deconstructed and analysed. 

The use of camera shots can indicate sexuality. When the two women are looking in the mirror as one of them is holding a dress to her body, there is a demonstration of femininity. This helps us to understand that the two woman show characteristics associated with women. Although this is represented within this shot, it also shows us that Maud is showing characteristics that aren't typically associated with being a woman in this time period. An indication that the woman at the back is showing a passion towards the woman in front allows for us to see that she is acting differently towards the same sex. This is further highlighted by the zoom shot that follows the woman's hand as she hovers over the woman who is sleeping. This gives us a sense that she wants to touch her, but is too afraid too because it's not seen as 'normal' for two women to be together. The mirror shot that shows the two woman in the first scene as they're looking at their reflection, indicates a sense of living in a fantasy. The fact that the mirror is dirty and distorted allows for the audience to see that Maud is living in a fantasy when it comes to being with the woman. This indicates that what Maud wants from the woman, will not become true because it is just something that is in her head and it isn't seen as right within that time frame. The shot that follows the tracking of Maud and the man shows both femininity and masculinity. This is due to the fact that Maud weak and defenseless as the man is holding her throat with his hand. This indicates a sense of power and authority of her, which demonstrates a masculine trait. This shot therefore shows feminine vs masculine and allows for the audience to  see the power that he has. 

When we first meet the two woman, the sound of heavy breathing can be heard as the woman tries the dress on against her body. This breathing is diegetic and synchronous as it is part of the storyline and appears on screen. The breathing can indicate a sense of passion between the woman and the dress. The look that she gives Maud as she is heavy breathing, indicates that she may be doing it to her. This changes the whole overall situation as it shows lust between the two. This demonstrates their sexuality as homosexual which was not seen as right in that time period. The music in this scene which is non-diegetic and asynchronous due to the fact that it isn't part of the storyline nor is it seen on screen. It is slow and creates an atmosphere that makes their connection seem more dramatic. The change in music when the man is in the scene, allows for tension to build between the man and Maud. The fact that Maud doesn't want to marry him, makes him mad and therefore the music is more powerful and intense here to make his emotion come out in the scene. This intense music demonstrates that Maud doesn't want to be with him because she likes women - showing her homosexuality.

Editing helps the audience to understand the sexuality of Maud. We know she is a lesbian due to the way she has acted. A match on action also helps to show this. When Maud is staring at the woman - who she is painting, a shot of her paintbrush is shown as the paint drops off the brush. The next shot is of the paint as it spills on her dress. This is an match on action because the secondary shot follows the actions of the primary. These two shots help to show the lack of concentration from Maud as she is too busy staring at the woman's body. This therefore demonstrates her attraction towards the same sex. The fact that these shots also show the colour of the paint, helps the audience to relate Maud's feelings towards the woman to the paint. The colour of the paint is red. Red is a representation of love and passion - something of which Maud feels for the woman. The paint is therefore a symbol of how Maud is feeling towards that woman. The clip that we see also contains both long and short shots within it. The most important areas that represent how each sex treats Maud is demonstrated through the use of longer shots. These longer shots have been used to drag the audience's attention to what's going on within that shot. The long timed shot of the woman and Maud indicates that Maud is getting treated with respect and is having her attention whereas the long timed shot of Maud and the man indicate a sense of fear for her. The way in which he treats her provokes the audience to understand that, that is how she gets treated by the opposite sex. These long shots helps to show how she is treated by the same sex and the opposite sex. This may be an indicator to the audience as to why she is homosexual and would rather be with the same sex - because of how she is treated.

The mise en scene within this clip can demonstrate Maud's sexuality. The old mirror that is seen in the room that they're in, shows a reflection of the two women. This mirror shows that they're in a old time period as the characteristics of the mirror are not seen in today's society. When the scene of the two woman and the man comes on when they're in the landscape, a canvas and stand is seen to be included. The old fashioned stand was something that was very traditional in the earlier years and is not commonly associated with today's style of painting. The use of a canvas and stand in which Maud is painting on, allows for the audience to see how Maud is feeling. This is due to the fact that when people paint, they express their emotions and feelings onto a blank space. This therefore indicates that Maud's feelings are towards the woman - as that is what she is appearing to paint. This explanation of what Maud is thinking about is easily described within her actions rather than what she is saying. The way in which she looks at her model while she is painting, also shows her facial expressions towards the woman.  Her facial expressions show a sense of passion towards the woman. This is further illuminated by the use of staring.

Ethnicity h/w

Within the Hotel Babylon clip, there are a number of shots that highlight the importance of ethnicity. The second shot (which is a tracking shot) illustrates ethnicity in regards to the hotel's appearance. The layout of the swimming pool area shows that the hotel is of a high standard and that it takes pride in the service it provides for it's paying customers. The first obvious mise-en-scene that is presented within Hotel Babylon is the pool's interior decor. The lighting within the pool area is set specifically to create a relaxed atmosphere. The water is also lit up to make the pool appear more relaxing and persuasive to the customers. The use of dressing gowns also represent that this hotel is of a high standard and that they try to make their customers feel as nice as possible by being polite and giving them nice surroundings to take in. 

The medium close-up shot that continues from the tracking shot is seen of the man in the suit as he notices his old friend. His positioning and facial expression indicates that he isn't 100% happy to see him and that he doesn't really want to be seen talking to the guy who got out of the water. He is also seen to be looking around the hotel to check and assure that no one can see him talking to the guy.

The conversation between the two allows for the audience to see that Ben isn't comfortable talking to his old friend and that he doesn't really know how to react to seeing him since he's changed his old ways. The continuous over the shoulder shots that occur during this conversation show Ben's awkward presence as he is speaking to his friend Tel. These shots inform the audience that he is not sure what to do and how to react to Tel. The contrast between the clothing of Ben and Tel indicates a difference in the background that they are currently living in. Although their backgrounds were once similar, Ben is now in a more professional and higher background than Tel. This can be seen through their clothes. Ben is dressed in a smart suit and walking proud compared to Tel who has dreads in his hair and is wearing a chain around his neck. Another contrast between the two is the way they speak. Ben speaks in a more appropriate manner due to his position in the job, whereas Tel is still in touch with his roots and often uses words like 'bro' because of his background. He also refers to chicks and booze which commonly goes along with the 'bro' package. When Ben talks like Tel by saying 'bro', you can tell that he is uncomfortable and doesn't feel like he is that man from his past anymore.

 A long shot of the two maids is shown within the clip. One of the maids begins to take her clothes off without any disagreements or hassle because she is used to doing it and wants to make money - so it's nothing new to her. Whereas, the other maid doesn't feel 

comfortable because it is new to her. This is shown on follow up shot which shows the maid's  face as she isn't 100% sure how to cope with the whole scenario. The two maids appear to be from the same background as they both have a foreign accent when they speak english. This is obvious due to the fact that foreign people commonly take the jobs that involve cleaning and usually tend to do what their clients want as long as they get extra money. The lingerie of the two maids vary between one another. The maid who is used to doing it, is wearing  more saucy lingerie compared to the other maid who is just wearing a plain white bra. This differentiation in lingerie allows for the audience to see who does it and is comfortable with it.

The tracking shot of the man and woman who work at the hotel allows for the audience to tell that the man is concerned and that the maids and a man who became an alcoholic. You can tell that the man is worried because the tracking shot allows for his facial expression to be shown which shows this. The woman on the other hand is just seen listening to him go on about the people. The conversation continues as the woman says 'you're worrying too much'. This shows that she has come from a professional background and knows that you shouldn't worry about something that isn't a big deal. The mise-en-scene within this scene allows for the audience to tell that they're in the hotel business as they're wearing smart clothing. The man is wearing a suit and the woman is wearing a black dress. Another indication that they work there is the name tag that is seen on the man's jacket. The fact that they're also talking about the people who they've hired also indicates that their hotel is important to them and that making money and hiring the correct people to do the job is important.

Homework due 13th Feb

“Successful media products depend as much upon marketing and distribution to a specific audience as they do upon good production practices.” To what extent would you agree with this statement, within the film area.

In my opinion, I think that the above statement is true and therefore I agree with it because I think that marketing and distribution play an important role within a film's financial success. In order for a film to be successful, the companies must ensure that the distribution of the film is of a high standard in order for the film to be seen to a wider audience. When a film is distributed to a wider audience, there will be likelihood of an increase in the sales of that film. An increase in the sales of that film may result in a higher possibility of that company making a profit.

If a film company chooses to go with a well known distribution company such as 20th Century Fox or Paramount, then there is a higher chance that the film will be more successful than if the company went with a less well known company. Distribution companies like the two examples provided are companies that make a huge profit yearly and have a variety of techniques that have been a success in distributing a film. They also have been known to distribute films that have become majorly successful and well known purely because of their reputation. By getting these distribution companies to distribute the film, the film companies allow for an expand in acknowledgement of the film by the audience and target audience. By appealing to the target audience, the film would've therefore achieved their aim of making the film.

Marketing is important because it also determines how successful a film could be. If the film is not marketed well or objectives and strategies are not clear, then the film's potential will be decreased. By marketing a film correctly towards the target audience, then there is a higher possibility that more people will see the film advertised. The more opportunities for the film to be advertised, then the more likely that people will be interested in that film. If marketing is done correctly, money can be made. For example, if an advert costs £30,000 to have and the film company uses this opportunity successfully, the people who see the advert will go and watch the film and then the company will make more than the price of the advertising. If a company's advert fails to attract viewers because it doesn't specifically relate to the target audience then the company may loose out on sales and profit. 

This can be the same within the music industry. If a piece of music isn't distributed well i.e. on a CD, then less people may be encouraged to buy the CD just for one song. If a music production decides to distribute it's music online or on apps like Itunes, then it's more likely to sell as customers can get the song that they want for a cheap price. If a music artist isn't marketed well and their music isn' advertised, people may not know or find out about them and therefore now buy their music. If they are marketed well and people buy their music and like it, then they will more likely to buy it again which means money for the music production company.

Production practises are important due to the fact that if a film isn't produced sufficiently, then the overall appearance of the film will look poor and people won't want to see it. Production practises make a film better and ensure quality, but without marketing and distribution the film would not make sales or profit. The use of distribution and marketing ensures that the film is targeted towards the intended audience. By doing this, more awareness is gained and therefore this would result in the likelihood of viewers watching the film. If more viewers watch the film, then more sales will be produced and therefore more profit can potentially be made. 

HOMEWORK DUE 4/02/14

To what extent does digital distribution affect the marketing and consumption of media products in the media area you have studied? 

Digital distribution affects the marketing and consumption of media products in the film industry due to the fact that people tend to watch films within their own homes rather than traditionally going to the cinema to watch them. This means that distribution companies have a wider range of ways to market their films appropriately to the age classification. They are able to expand their range through the use of media types like television, social networking sites, DVDs and radio etc.

Although this is a positive for the distribution companies as their films will be seen and marketed of a wider scale, it can also be seen as a negative for those distribution companies. There are now increased possibilities of illegal usage of the film in which the film distribution companies do not get anything for. Online illegal websites and pirated DVDs mean that these companies are affected and won't make a profit from the consumers who're watching the film in these ways.

Harry Brown

Companies responsible for making it: 

• Marv Films (presents) (as Marv Partners)
• UK Film Council (presents)
• HanWay Films (in association with)
• Prescience Film Fund (in association with) (as Prescience)
• Framestore (in association with) (as Framestore Features)
• Prescience

Year of release: 11 November 2009 (UK)

Classification: 
- UK:18.
- Rated R for strong violence and language throughout, drug use and sexual content. 

Budget: $7,300,000

Revenue: $1,818,681 (USA)
                    £4,557,776 (UK)
                    $6,294,140 (Worldwide box office)

Information found on: http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Harry-Brown#tab=summary
                                            http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1289406/

brief synopsis:
- 'Harry Brown' is about an old man who used to be a former royal marine. He currently lives on an estate where the town is full of gangs. During the beginning of the film, Harry's wife passes away and he is left with only his best friend Lee. Lee talks to Harry about being scared of the gangs and shows a knife that he uses to defend himself. Harry is later told that Lee was murdered in a fire in his flat. Lack of evidence from the suspects mean the case cannot be investigated so it is dropped and they are released. 
- After hearing news about Lee's murder, Harry decides to take things into his own hands. He manages to get himself a pistol deal but things go wrong when he get threatened as he asks for an ambulance for the girl. Harry then has to ambush the pair and kills them both.
-After ambushing the pair, he steals some weapons, burns down the den and takes the girl to hospital in their car. The bag which contains money, is taken to the church where he deposits the money after giving some to the girl.
- Harry then watches over the gang from Lee's old apartment. Harry kills the newest member of the gang. He uses a gang member as bait for Noal and another gang member into a gunfight. Noel is able to escape but the other gang member is killed. Harry chases after Noel but falls down after having an attack and is taken to hospital. 
- Car crash in the riots. Harry rescues them and takes them to Sid's pub, where Frampton confronts Harry and tells him that Sid is actually Noel's uncle. 
- Sid appears to be apologetic but as Harry drops his guard with an emphysema attack Sid takes his gun and delivers a vicious blow.
- Noel kicks and pounds the already injured Detective Inspector. Harry is thrown on the floor semi-conscious.
- Sid suffocates Hicock to death while Noel begins strangling Frampton. Harry then manages to draws a revolver and kills Noel and Sid in return shoots Harry. Harry asks to be taken out of his misery but before Sid can finally execute him, Frampton's police backup arrives and he is gunned down by a police marksman.
- The final scene is of Harry walking toward the underpass - it's quiet and the gang nowhere in sight. 



How it's told:
- It's told in a way that makes the audience empathise with Harry. It is seen from his point of view so that the audience can understand why he did the things he had to do. This point of view filming enables Harry to be able to get away with the killings and not get hate from the audience because they know that he is doing it to protect the community and make it safe for the people who live in it. By showing his viewpoint, the crimes that Harry commits are seen as slightly good because he is stopping the gang who commit hideous crimes on the innocent members of the public. This means that he's seen as more of a hero than a killer. 



Notes:

• At the beginning of the film, a bunch of youths are seen to be doing drugs and holding a gun. Some youth are then seen to be driving on a motorbike/moped when a mother in a park is shot by these youths. The youths are then seen to drive into a lorry and get killed. This part of the film is recorded with a camera that gives the impression that it's being recorded with a camera phone. This was done to give the audience a sense of realism and that what was happening appeared genuine and that the audience were a part of it.

• The location of the film makes the overall appearance more effective. This is because the location helps for the audience to get a deeper understanding of the way Harry, the youths and the community live. Although it's no excuse for the youths to commit such crimes, the audience can see that their backgrounds and lives aren't the best so it may be the only thing that the youths can do to keep themselves entertained. 

• The titles have been specifically positioned in order to create a sense of the film. The names of the cast are all the same size - small This has been done to show the fact that Harry Brown is just another part of society and that he is no different to the youths and other members of the community.

• The wiping of the crumbs can also be seen as a metaphor for the next part of the film. Harry wipes away the crumbs off the table because it's rubbish. This can also indicate what is going to happen next because Harry ends up killing the gang. In his eyes, the gang are seen as rubbish. He is therefore symbolising the getting rid of the crumbs with the getting rid of the gang.

• The lighting within this film was made to look as natural as possible. There wasn't too much artificial lighting, which made the film look more affective. The lighting within the pub was minimal to make the audience think that the direction of the light was coming from a window on the right of Lee and the left of Harry.

• The location of Harry's flat is on an estate that doesn't look appealing. There is rubbish found within the grounds and graffiti on the walls. The shot of the two officers walking out of Harry's flat after telling him that Lee is dead, has been made to look as bad as possible. This shot shows a black bag, a car with no hubcaps and writing on the walls. This has been made to look this way so the audience can get a better understanding of the way the people live and look after their estate. 

• Set design - been made specifically to look more run down and follow the style of the estate. This therefore makes the scenes look more old and dirty like the estate in which it was filmed on.