PRODUCTION TEAM REFLECTION

TEAM CHAMPLAIN RODRAM.

A. What specific contributions did YOU make to your team's production of your video?

Sean and I came up with our script for our radio gig a while back in the semester. We decided to use the same script for our Champlain in 60 Seconds video. It was up to Sean and I to develop our plan as well. We came up with the concept, production techniques that we would use, and assigned roles for our group members. We all met to film the video, and I personally edited the final video and posted it on YouTube.

B. What grade do you feel YOU earned for your work and participation in your team's video?

I feel that I should earn full credit for our project. I did the most work, and was responsible for staying organized and trying to arrange group meetings. Editing the video took hours and I am very happy with how it turned out.

C. What was the hardest aspect of making your video?

The hardest part about making our video was trying to include all my group members. I emailed you earlier in the semester and I still don’t appreciate two of my group members showing up only to film the video. Sean and I would have liked more help planning and writing the script. The video took a lot of thought, and Sean and I carried our group.

D. Other than finishing the VIDEO, what was the most rewarding aspect of making your video?

It was great to sit back and watch the final edited video, but there were other rewarding aspects of the project. I really enjoyed filming with the professor and random girls that we found around campus. They must have thought we were crazy because of how weird some of our lines were. We got a lot of laughs from people walking by and recording each clip a couple different times was very entertaining.

Final Exam: A day in my life

A DAY IN MY LIFE:

MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MEDIA

Ricky Fitzpatrick

Media is a part of our everyday life. We interact with it constantly and it is important to step back and think critically about it. All forms of media do not impact everyone the same way. Some are more effective than others, but all are necessary and present in the current 21^st century. Personally, I have a unique relationship with all eight forms of media; sound recording, radio, television, movies, the Internet, books, magazines, and newspapers.

Sound recording has enabled me to dive into the musical community. All music is widely available for download on the Internet, so it is easy for me to stay updated on new music and to create an extensive library including my favorite songs. “Digital downloading has also forever altered locating and accessing nonmainstream music and recordings by unsigned bands” (Media & Culture, 78). My favorite bands are not mainstream artists. Instead they are innovative, up-and-coming, groups with high potential. Lotus, for example, is one of my favorites. I was first introduced to Lotus at Higher Ground, and have since seen many of their shows in many different locations. If their music wasn’t available for download, I might not have pursued my interest in them.

Lotus playing "Spiritualize" (youtube.com)

I currently have an internship at Magic Hat Brewing Company doing marketing. One of the projects I have been working on entails contacting radio stations around the country for advertising. There is a huge amount of radio stations that broadcast to different areas across the country, so there is an intense process to pick and choose which stations will add the most value to the Magic Hat brand. “The most successful radio network programs are the shows broadcast by affiliates in the Top 20 markets, which offer advertisers half of the country’s radio audience” (Media & Culture, 136). These radio networks have the largest amount of listeners and cover the largest geographical areas. It is important to advertise on these stations, but Magic Hat finds small local stations to be just as effective. We hold meetings for these stations to present anything that they believe will add value. We will choose the stations with good promotional ideas and listening audiences most similar to our target market.

Magic Hat logo (magichat.net)

There are only a few television shows that I watch on a regular basis; The Office, Planet Earth, and Cops. TV programming is littered with reality television that I do not care much for. “While the sitcom may have hit a rough patch up against the reality show trend, The Office is one example of how the sitcom will adapt and endure” (Media & Culture, 144). As my favorite show, The Office combines production techniques, pacing, humor, and emotional transfer in a unique way that appears one-of-a-kind.

Michael Scott from The Office (nbc.com)

I have always enjoyed watching movies in theaters. Hollywood movies are always entertaining, but I get a kick out of viewing independent films made with low budgets. “The decreasing costs of portable technology, including smaller digital cameras and computer editing, have kept many documentary and independent filmmakers in business. They make movies inexpensively, relying on real-life situations, stage actors and non-actors, crews made up of friends and students, and local non-studio settings” (Media & Culture, 232). Momento, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Crash, Slumdog Millionaire, and Paranormal Activity are a few of my favorite highly rated independent films. With cheaper modern technology in this age of digital convergence, more people have access to the tools necessary to produce a movie with a low budget. Amateur producers can pursue their ideas, and students can learn through creating videos for classes. Producing a full-length movie or a YouTube clip should not have large monetary barriers.

Scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail (imbd.com)

“Advertising has since spread to other parts of the Internet, including social networking sites, e-mail, and IM – all activities in which computer users reveal something about themselves and their interests. This information has made Internet advertising the most targeted kind of advertising in the history of mass communication” (Media & Culture, 57). As a marketing major with an internship at Magic Hat, I have come to view social networking sites as the ideal marketing tool. Users on these sites constantly input personal information that is stored on a central server. For example, Facebook stores it’s users photos, comments, posts, search activity, likes, interests, and more. This information, although private to everyday users, can be purchased by companies and marketing firms. Companies use this information to define their target market in more detail. At Magic Hat, a Facebook user that “likes” the company will be targeted to see what their other interests are, where they hang out, who they hang out with, what they do for fun, and so on in order to develop a more effective marketing plan that more effectively reaches our target market. These sites also allow companies to “humanize the brand” by interacting with the public on a more personal level (Michael Hayes).

Facebook logo (facebook.com)

In high school I hardly ever read books. I was so busy with my social life, part-time jobs, and schoolwork that I rarely had spare time to pick up a book. A few summers ago, I learned to enjoy reading while I worked as a lifeguard and had lots of downtime. I now read for enjoyment, but I rarely buy books because of how expensive and inconvenient they are to buy. Why would I drive to a bookstore and pay $20 for a book when I can get it online for a fraction of the price? “The Google Library Project, begun in 2004, features partnerships with the New York Public Library and several major university research libraries – including Harvard, Michigan, Oxford, and Stanford – to scan millions of books and make them available online” (Media & Culture, 329). From my Kindle, and through Amazon, I can choose to download books from a library consisting of thousands of full-length novels for only a few dollars.

The Kindle (amazon.com)

I have been subscribed to Wakeboarding magazine and GQ for years now. I am a sponsored wakeboarder and it is important to stay on top of trends and news related to the sport. I believe the most valuable impact of magazines is the creation of community. The people with subscriptions to certain magazines are people with similar passionate interests. Wakeboarding subscribers who read the issues every month will stay up to date on issues and information related to the sport, creating a wakeboarding community. All magazines create a sense of community despite the subject that they specialize in. “One argument suggests that People is not, in fact, a mass market magazine but a specialized publication targeting people with particular cultural interests: a fascination with music, TV, and movie stars” (Media & Culture, 296). People is another example of a magazine that connects those that share a common interest.

Wakeboarding magazine cover (wakeboardingmag.com)

I do not have a subscription, nor do I purchase any newspaper on a daily basis. Reading the entire paper and looking critically for important stories is a time intensive process. Instead, I read the news online. “Now, online newspapers are truly taking advantage of the flexibility the Internet offers” (Media & Culture, 274). I can quickly scan a list of popular topics, search for specific ones, or even browse by category. In addition, online articles do not have space restrictions and frequently include additional stories and more details than the print version. Using the Internet takes only a couple minutes to stay up-to-date on the latest news.

Screenshot of cnn.com (cnn.com)

To sum it all up, my personal relationship with the different forms of media has had a big effect on various aspects of my life. As I said earlier, everyone is different. Different media affects different people differently. How we interpret the messages that we are flooded with daily helps shape the person that we become.

"Media and Me - A Day In The Life"

My iPod was dead today when I got in to my car to drive to school. It was 9:15 in the morning and I was so sleep this is the last thing I wanted to deal with so I just ignored that Katy Perry was playing. I hate Katy Perry. Worse than I hate Katy Perry, I hate how radio stations ALWAYS play the same songs. Over and over and over again. Why can't they mix it up? Then I wouldn't be miserable on my drive to school.

Media Meditation: Parov Stelar

Parov Stelar: Emerging Talent.

Over the weekend, my roommate loaded this video, made it full screen, and plugged it into his LOUD DJ equipment.

I do not take dance lessons. I do not watch youtube videos of people dancing. I have never appreciated choreographed dance before this video.

The music is upbeat, modern, and energetic. It is a song that I could see played at Higher Ground. Modern songs like these are not usually associated with professional dancing, which is partially why I was so amazed at the video. This guy can move!

This video on youtube is under-viewed, but has the potential to make Parov Stelar famous. CONVERGENCE has allowed users like this to post their talents online, in hopes to one day be recognized.

PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES in this video are simple. It appears as if the dancer has set his camera on a table, and is recording himself dancing in his basement. It is made with very SIMPLE editing techniques which puts the entire emphasis on Parov's talent. A little bit of music and some empty floor space seems to be all Parov Stelar needs to entertain an audience.

The video is a serious display of talent, but at times the viewer finds themselves laughing out-loud and smiling. The video isn't funny, but somehow TRANSFERS HUMOR to the viewer. His talents are so superior to the average person that it is almost comical that he is "that" good.

His outfit appears to be an example of NOSTALGIA. He is dressed in outdated clothes that might appeal to a distant generation, but certainly not the 21st century.

We watched the video a bunch of times before realizing he has many videos posted on youtube. We browsed through them all and found some to be more impressive than others, and some more unique than others. The most impressive one I found was this one:

I consider this video to be both an expression of media, and art. The video features the dancer dancing in locations that you would not normally find a dancing performance. The dancer wears headphones that allow him to dance wherever he goes. The video shows him dancing in a crowded train station, crossing a street in a crowded city, on a moving train, in a park, in the middle of the woods, by a river, and on top of a mountain. These are very unique locations to shoot a dance performance. Throughout the production I couldn't stop thinking about a quote that I read a while ago:

"Those seen dancing are thought to be insane by those who cannot hear the music."

Through the use of MEDIA, I believe that one day Parov Stelar will receive the recognition he deserves for his innovative and artistic style of expression.

Media Meditation: BEATS ANTIQUE

BEATS ANTIQUE: A Wild and Crazy Media Experience!

Over the past couple years I have been to a countless amount of concerts. I love live music and enjoy the concert experience. Since coming to school in Burlington, I found myself spending many nights at Higher Ground. Higher Ground is a music venue in the heart of Burlington. What makes it so special is the HUGE turnout of college kids at every show. They pay for the BEST artists to come, and most shows sell out.

That is the back ground on my concerting life in Vermont.

In the summer, my friend introduced me to a band I had never heard of, Beats Antique. My friend did a quick youtube search and pulled up this video:

After watching/listening, I was in love. Not only was the video a media masterpiece, but I could not stop thinking about how genius the music was. The growing popular trend in music is electronic, rave, and dubstep. It is obvious that Beats Antique combines these emerging genres with Middle Eastern culture to produce one of the more unique and innovative forms of music I have come across.

Searching the Higher Ground website for upcoming shows, I see Beats Antique listed and purchase tickets immediately. On Sunday, October 24th, I saw the beauty of Beats Antique for myself. Posted by Beats Antique, this video summarizes the show at Higher Ground with LIVE footage, and band interviews.

This show ranks in the top 3 concerts I have ever been too. The energy in this sold out venue was incredible. The band members played different kinds of drums, violins, and banjos to accompany the electronic rave atmosphere and dubstep background music. To top it all off, Zoe Jakes makes the whole show sexy as she belly dances to the music. The band made the crowd crazy. At the encore, the band put on animal masks, ran around the stage, and jumped into the wild crowd for some crowd surfing. The audience was going wild the whole show, and the band was feeding off of their energy.

Now that I've settled down, I can reflect on this unique MEDIA EXPERIENCE. From the power tools we see the use of...

Production Techniques: A big part of their success is due to production techniques. The rave lighting, fog machines, and other disorienting effects is all part of the experience. Instead of sitting and playing music in front of an audience seated in chairs, the band uses production techniques to have the entire venue jumping, screaming, and dancing like animals.

Pacing: At times, the show is overwhelming. The flashing strobe lights and lazers make it hard to see at times and the fast pace of the entire show makes it difficult to slow down and take a break. It is just too crazy.

Symbols: Zoe, the belly dancer, is certainly a symbol for the group. She is the connection they have to Middle Eastern heritage and is a huge part of the Beats Antique experience.

Humor: There is some humor in their performance. The guitarist frequently gave shout outs to his mom, who was in the audience. Also, wearing the animal masks at the end was a comical way to let loose and go wild.

Timing: Timing is very important to this production. At times they slow down the music, progressively getting faster and louder to make the crowd anxious. Then the beat will drop and all at once the bass will shake your insides, the banjo will break it down, Zoe will begin an impressive dance, and the crowd will be out of control.

Limbic Brain: Flashing lights, dancing acts, and the actual musical performance will create a one-of-a-kind limbic experience.

(pictures from beatsantique.com)

Beats Antique is a new, up-and-coming, band who's popularity is growing exponentially. The combination of many genres, energetic performance, and incredible musical talent will continue to attract new listeners.

GQ Magazine Presentation

GQ Magazine

THESIS:

GQ is the authority on men. For over 50 years GQ has been the premier men's magazine, providing definitive coverage of men's style and culture. With its unique and powerful design, the best photographers, and a well of award-winning writers, GQ reaches millions of leading men each month. GQ is the only publication that speaks to all sides of the male equation. GQ is simply sharper and smarter.

http://www.gq.com/

FIVE FACTS:

1) GQ has two main sections; intelligence and fashion.

2) The majority of the magazine is clothing advertisements.

3) Appeals only to men.

4) Driven by advertising.

5) Claims to be a “complete guide to men’s style”

http://www.condenastmediakit.com/gq/index.cfm

BRAIN:

GQ contains mainly limbic and neocortex content. There are many articles that make you think, but the first ¼ of the magazine is all pictures, and throughout the rest of the magazine there are scattered full-page ads for men’s style clothing.

TRENDS:

Epistemological: from word to image.

Economic shift: hyper commercialism and corporate consolidation.

PRINCIPLES:

Trade-offs: how accurate is it. On page 133 there is an article about the 12 most important things that matter this month. There is a trade-off for determining what matters. The 12 important things they list are interesting, but may not exactly be the most important dude to subjectivity.

Production techniques: camera angles, lighting, editing, symbols

Ownership: GQ publishes ads from designer brands. By advertising in GQ, the clothing is considered to be “in style.”

Emotional Transfer: pg234. Sad story that draws emotion from the reader.

TECHNIQUES:

Symbol: Terrell Owens on pg 82, Usher on page 147, Jersey Shore on pg222

Flattery: pg139. “Inspired by You” section is saying that YOU deserve a better lifestyle. It says you can afford to gain weight, be in style, eat nice food, drink good wine, go on vacation, go shopping etc.

Bandwagon: pg94. “The Suiting World Just Got Younger.” Article claiming that more and more young people are wearing nice clothes everyday.

Simple solution: pg132. Claims that you will be a better runner by buying this shoe.

Testimonial: pg155. Uses popular DJ group, MSTRKRFT, to sell new media platform.

Plain Folks: pg92. “Mr. Outdoorsy Adventure Man Finally Loses the Backpack.” Selling designer brands to outdoorsy everyday people.

Beautiful people: GQ is full of models.

Humor: pg 200. There is a political cartoon that has an important message, but is humorous in the way it is presented.

MIDTERM REFLECTION - #CCM120

1. After studying 21st century media for eight weeks in this class, what have you learned?

I have learned that all forms of media incorporate, and can be analyzed by, certain recurring trends, principles, and techniques.

2. What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself as a critical reader, a writer, and a thinker in this class so far?

I have learned that a simple commercial is doing more than providing information. Every little detail in all forms of media is intentional, serves an important purpose, and can be identified when thinking critically.

3. What's one thing you would do differently this first half of the semester is you were to take this class again?

I would have studied the power tools intensely from the beginning instead of letting them grow on me and memorizing what's left for the midterm. I know now that they are most useful when they can be recalled easily.

4. What's one thing you would like me to do differently this first half of the semester if you were to take this class again?

I honestly can't think of anything. I am learning a lot and I enjoy the in-class discussions. Maybe it would be a good idea to give us a fill in the blank test on the power tools from the beginning. That would make analyzing media every class easier.

5. Please comment on the usefulness of the power tools, our course blog, your personal blog, our in-class quizzes, our films, and our book as learning tools.

Power tools: These tools took a while to fully memorize, but now that I know them well I see how useful they are for analyzing media.

Course blog: The course blog is easier to follow than angel. It pops up in my RSS feed that I read daily and it's easy to stay on top of the work.

Personal blog: I see our personal blog as a creative way to submit assignments and to become familiar with blogging if not already. However, my followers are only from this class and I can't see myself becoming passionate about marketing this blog to outsiders.

In-class quizzes: These make us review material before each class which is important to learning, but might not happen if there weren't quizzes everyday.

Films: I like the variety of films that we watch. They are about very different things, but help us realize that regardless of content, media uses the same power tools.

Books: I like the reading, pictures, and media examples in the text. The chapter blogging assignments help us to retain information we see as being important.