1) Do you agree with Stewart's point regarding self-determination of audiences? Consider your own media consumption habits and the research you conducted regarding UK cinema audiences using the BFI Statistical Yearbook.
It is important when it comes to cultural and social fads in people because that does determine the size of audiences for films. I will go see a film if it fits my own personal criteria and if its linked to either Marvel or DC I will want to see it. Fantasy as it is my favourite genre, I am more likely to see those type of films. So regarding Stewart's suggestion, I think the popularity of the film depends on if that genre is popular at the time, for example the vampire stage with twilight, true blood, vampire diaries etc.
2) Hall's idea about audience positioning identifies three ways that audiences can respond to texts. Using your three case studies, identify a preferred, negotiated and oppositional reading and explain your own reasons for each case study.
I do agree with the idea that audience members can interpret different meanings from a film or TV program, especially in soap operas. I will watch a soap and hate certain characters but still watch it because I like it (Negotiated Readings). When it comes to film some people won't watch a film because of certain actors but they might go to see it because of the director. For example I won't go see a film with Kirsten Stewart in it because Twilight was so awful and she can't act (oppositional).
Case Studies
Life of Pi - I would be reluctant to watch it because the story line seems too simple and boring, and I feel the only reason it was made was to work on visual effects. (Oppositional)
Avengers - This would be preferred because I love the Avenger films such as Captain America, Iron Man and so on. This is the first 'big' film in the Marvel franchise.
Hobbit - At first I had negotiated readings towards the Hobbit, because I hadn't seen Lord of the Rings, but then once viewing it my reading changed to Preferred.
3) a) How can gender effect how you respond to a text?
Females prefer story line with more of a narrative then full blown action. Females will care for more of a narrative involving relationships and things related to current affairs. Males on the other had are expected to focus more on the action side, this was evident in the BFI Stats when the film males mostly watched in 2011 were films like Captain America and Die Hard.
b) Why would you choose to go to the cinema as opposed to watching a film at home?
I like to go to the cinema to get out of the house and go out with friends to socialise. It is also a opportunity to see a film before it comes out on DVD, and to feel the cinema experience. The cinema experience of the Hobbit was amazing, because it was so dark and on a big screen. It was more effective then if you watched it on your TV at home.
c) Can you think of a text where you gained 'cultural knowledge' which shaped your expectations? Was that part of the reason why you chose and enjoyed that text?
I think generally in TV shows where the places are based and set in well known areas does set up what you think it must be like, usually they are correct but it can also be misleading. I can't think of a text which has had that effect on me.
4) How do converged websites apply to Gauntlett's idea of a 'pick and mix' audience?
Convergences allows the audience to connect with the film in more than one way. It boosts their awareness and in turn increases their fan base. Audiences may be aware of these convergences and search for them in particular.
5) To what extent do you believe in the effects model and the uses and gratifications model?
I do agree that the cinema audience is more active then passive, because if you go see a film and decided you didn't like it you would then tell your friends that is was awful and if it was pure rubbish then possible complaints would be put forward and vice-versa, but this seems more common in TV programs. As we develop as a country we rely on technology and use media more everyday. If you consider the pick and mix idea and convergences, as well as giving a film more publicity and overall awareness, if it was the reverse then their could be devastating effects. People are more in control of the media then the media is in control of them.
6) Mcquail believes audiences use texts for four different reasons. Can you identify these features in the marketing materials from your case studies?
1) Entertainment and diversion - To escape the pressures of everyday life films are put onto screen in cinemas for people to escape from their normal routine and to enjoy themselves. Premiers of the film which marketeers publicise and screen on TV allow people to take time out and enjoy something they are interested in or would like to watch. One explain is the Hobbit Premier live stream from New Zealand. The live stream was available on the Internet and people all over the world to access it.
2) Personal relationships - With all films there is always a chance to talk about it with another whether its a positive or negative response to it. The online convergences such as twitter skins, facebook covers and the interactive activities can be shared around between friends and it will occasionally be used in social interaction, for example James Bond. Also going to the cinema to see the film with friends is the biggest form of social interaction and having a social life.
3) Personal Identity - Sticking with James Bond, people can imagine what their life would be like if they were a secret agent for the British Secret Service. Children who are influenced by James bond then fantasise about being a spy when they are older. It also links in with No. 4.This is the same with the Avengers, people like the idea of having superpowers even if they aren't aware of the avengers. The idea to people to be different in a supernatural way is incredibly cool. Who wouldn't want to be Iron Man or at least have some aspect of his life?
4) Information/education - Every film has some sort of connection to the big wide world because the creators had some influence from current events. In life of Pi, it is clearly evident that they show the improvements in special effects and technology. James Bond on the other hand gives you an idea of what it is like to be part of the government and how the British government works.
7) What is the audience fragmentation? How has it changed the composition of audiences and the texts that are available to them? Has the Internet influenced this in anyway?
Audience fragmentation is a phrase which focuses on the way people engage with media, and it shows how the idea of audience in the digital ears is changing. It relates to convergence, user-created content and social networking which have transformed. This causes a problem because if more people are likely to see trailers online then on TV, so it questions "what is the point in having a advert which hardly anyone will see, if they see it online?" It challenges whether is it worth paying money for it to be on TV when little will see it compared to the online population. Less of their target audience will be watching. However it is causing smaller groups to come together. There are less big-budget, blockbusters now and more films are aimed at promoting a 'cult' audience.
8) What is the 'push' and 'pull' media? How has the Internet shaped audience behaviour in relation to 'pull' media?
Push Media - where producers push films at the audience and we receive and consume passively
Pull Media - where the audience decide what they want to do with the media and access it in the way that suits them. Regarding pull media, the Internet has gotten a vast amount of illegal downloading which is now being automatically removed from Youtube and more people are now taking action. The idea of pull media and the growth of it makes people consider going down this road because the decide when they want it and how they get it. The Internet is growing with new technology and systems which widen the different types of programs and software you can download and purchase. Internet helps people be more aggressive with pull media.
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