Technological Changes Essay - Planning

Grace Watson

5 June 2020

Media Studies

Technological Changes Essay - Planning

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Planning:

Opening statement:

Over time, technology has developed and advanced to a point where nowadays audiences can consume media very easily, hassle-freely, from the comfort of their very own home with every series or movie they could ever even dream of watching only a very click of a button away. This constant evolving of technology has caused significant changes in the actual filmmaking process in all levels whether it be pre-production, production, post-production, distribution, marketing and promotion... a classic example of this being the transition from film to digital cameras, and these changes have had a significant effect on both the audiences of the films and the film industry as a whole itself.

• increase in the number of platforms = Youtube, DVD Stores, news, streaming services, Netflix, Neon, Disney + etc etc = sooooo many options! Films have to think CAREFULLY about where they actually release their films.

• Where many years ago films were filmed predominantly using film cameras, movies are nowadays filmed using digital cameras - change in the actual production process.

• Where before audiences were UNIFIED, they are now fragmented - all different platforms with endless options available for them to watch. (CONSUMPTION)

• Audiences are now active consumers rather than passive consumers = thanks to Web 2.0.

• With distribution - simultaneous releases are now becoming more common as advertising and marketing allows companies to spread their awareness and gain popularity more easily. Talk a bit about crowd-funding - able to set up funds and websites for people to donate to find the film. This is more attainable with the internet and Web 2.0 = people all have cell-phones - bank accounts connected to phones = can easily pay and contribute. Before, they would have to put an add in newspaper or TRY find a way = was far more difficult.

• Pressure has risen in terms of competition. Films are now, more and more, being sent worldwide (even INDIE films) to audiences all over the globe = films competing = use technology to increase awareness of their film.

• Examples = “What We Do in The Shadows” -> how they had a Facebook page (how many likes did it get?) | competitions | crowd funded | was a HUGE success - even as an INDIE film!!!

• rise of technology has meant even the actual filmmakers are able to grow and rise in the industry = example Jermaine Clement and Taika Waititi = they were normal, young directors who are now famous in the USA (one as the crab voice on Moana - give the stats to this film) = because of technology which enabled the film to be sent internationally in the FIRST place, they were able to grow!!

• Rise of conglomerates and their dominating of Hollywood = talk about subsidiaries, vertical and horizontal integration and how their dominating also increases competition and therefore and support. Talk about how the rise in technology has enabled production companies to INCREASE quality of film = can film in rain (water proof cameras). = can edit more easily = no need to cut and paste film.