Extra Credit

Before starting this class, I had never used a blog before and was kind of confused at how one would aid in learning the materials.  After doing the posts however, I really found that the blog posts each week reinforced the lectures and topics we had been discussing in class.  This was extremely helpful when tests began because I feel that it significantly lowered my study time.  I honestly didn't mind doing any of the blog posts, but one in particular that I liked less was the prompt in which we had to choose a film and break it down into different sections.  While I did think the prompt was successful in helping us to understand the Three Act Structure, I think doing the prompt was difficult because even in my favorite movies, I do not sit there with a stop watch in order to figure out how long each section is.

I think the blog is helpful, but my recommendation on using it in other classes would definitely depend on what the class was.  While for RTF it was helpful, I wouldn't see much use for a blog in a math or science class.  I think my only complaint about the blogs would be that we had such strict guidelines on what we had to write.  Although I understand that there must be criteria in order to grade the posts, I think we were limited in what we could write because the prompts were so specific.  Overall, however, I would say my blogging experience was a good one and I do think that it was a creative and unique way of helping students learn the different topics of RTF 305.


Yes, you can use my blog in a paper or report.

Globalization

Globalization is the process in which interconnectedness among nations, cultures, and people increase.  Technology and media play a role in globalization by accelerating digital convergence.  Examples of this can be seen in the usage of internet and cell phones throughout the world.  One concern of globalization can be found in cultural imperialism.

Cultural Imperialism represents a flow that reflects imbalance in global power structure.  This means that certain nations may be represented more than others throughout the world.  While globalization increases the interconnectedness between nations, it seems that cultural imperialism directly contradicts it because interconnectedness would mean an equal flow of information.  Unfortunately, equal flow of media and culture is not the case.

Today, the US is a major contributor to cultural imperialism.  In many countries, local or national cultures have diminished, while the US' influence has increased. Take for example the McDonald's ad below, shown in Japan.  Not only does McDonald's represent the very idea of cultural imperialism, the ad shows a model who seems to be embodying Michael Jackson.  Michael Jackson's international fame was made possible as a result of cultural imperialism, but while many American stars become world-know, the US rarely finds stars from countries abroad.  Furthermore, it is important to note that the McDonald's slogan is said by the narrator in English despite the commercial being shown in Japan, a non English speaking nation.  

"Sarah Palin's Alaska" Advertisement

Recently on television, I've been seeing a commercial for a new show on TLC called "Sarah Palin's Alaska." The ad shows the former Vice Presidential candidate in her element doing activities such as mountain climbing, canoeing and spending time with her family in Alaska. The ad is incredibly striking to me because I cannot stand Sarah Palin and I disagree with almost every word that comes out her mouth. Despite this, I've found myself wanting to watch the show as a result of the commercial.

In creating the TV show, TLC clearly took advantage of the fact that Sarah Palin is an attention grabber. Whether people love her or hate her, everyone seems interested in her. This aspect of the ad fell into achievement and prominence appeal. Sarah Palin's name is one of the most recognizable names in current times. Further, the ad definitely appeals to people's curiosity. The Palin family is one of controversy which will absolutely help bring in viewers. Finally, the most persuasive appeal used in the commercial, at least for me, was the aesthetic value of the ad. Throughout the entire ad, views of gorgeous Alaskan wilderness are shown, convincing me that for whatever reason, I need to watch the show.

Although my first thoughts on Sarah Palin's reality show were not ones of high praise, the commercial has steadily grown on me to the point that I now plan to view atleast the first episode. In this case, this can be considered evidence of advertising's effectiveness.

Three Act Structure of "The Shawshank Redemption"

The Shawshank Redemption serves as a good example of a film that uses the Three Act Structure. The film follows the guidelines for a Three Act Structure as defined by Professor Ramirez-Berg very closely.

Act I typically sets up the film and provides the viewer with information about what the world is like. This opening includes background information and sets up the story. In The Shawshank Redemption, Act I opens with the lead character Andy in court and going to prison for a crime he did not commit. As the first act continues, Andy arrives in prison. Plot point 1 arrives when Andy asks a fellow inmate, Red, for a rock hammer. This scene pulls Act I, which was around 32 minutes, to a close.

During Act II, the protagonist is typically faced with a struggle of some sort and is forced to make various moral choices. During Act II of the film, which runs a bit long at around 75-80 minutes, Andy grows closer to Red and begins adapting to his life in prison. Andy soon gains the trust of the warden and the midpoint of Act II comes as Andy begins playing opera over a loud speaker to the entire prison. This was a result of the prison library Andy had been in control of. As Act II begins to close, Andy starts informing his knowledge of the corrupt prison regulations to his fellow inmates. Plot Point two shows Andy escaping from prison through piping.

Act III opens with the guards finding Andy's open cell and discovering he had used a rock hammer to pick through the cement walls. Red later goes up for parole and is granted his freedom. Once in the real world, it is unclear as to whether Red will make it after being away in prison for so long. The climax of the film occurs as Red goes to a spot he was told about by Andy and finds a letter and cash. The closing resolution scene shows Andy and Red being reunited in Mexico. Act III lasts about 30 minutes.

The Shawshank Redemption is an example of a Three Act Structure and although it doesn't follow the basic time rules, it does run very close. By examining the film closely, it can be easily broken down into three basic components.

Seinfeld as a Serial Program

In television formatting, there are typically three types of shows: series, serial, and episodic programs. A series is a show which advances over time, and creates long term story lines and characters. Oppositely, shows which are episodic provide little character arc and typically end, allowing viewers to watch one episode and be done. The combination of these two formats can be found in a serial program. Serials function mostly as episodic programs, but use some crossover to create recurring jokes or story lines.

Seinfeld is an example of a serial program. While one can certainly sit down and view one episode without knowing any background information, a long-term viewer will begin to see jokes that carry through the shows longevity. Some examples of this carry over can be found in the relationship between Jerry and Elaine and can also be seen in the fantasy career of George Costanza as an architect. A further example can be seen with the creation of Jerry's sitcom pilot, which is often referenced throughout all of the show's seasons. Although viewers certainly do not need to know of some of these inside jokes within the show, the plot lines help to create more complex and humorous stories. Seinfeld works as a serial program because it involves aspects from both an episodic program and a series.

Describing A Scene

In one of my favorite films, Garden  State, the camera angles throughout the ending scene not only help to tell the story, but also affect the way the story is viewed.  As the film comes to a close, the two main characters are faced with a last decision:  Andrew (Zach Braff) must decide whether he will go back to his home and figure out his life or stay in New Jersey to be with Sam (Natalie Portman).

The scene opens with a long shot in an airport.  Andrew and Sam walk past the camera at a distance and are seen only as silhouettes.  This shot sets up the location and also helps the viewer to be aware of the impending difficulties that the two characters will soon face.  The camera cuts to Portman and Braff sitting on a set of stairs, still seen from a distance.  As the two begin to talk about the future of their relationship, the viewer is shown a medium shot, which helps to involve us in the conversation.  As the conversation gets more emotional, the camera gradually moves in to present back and forth close ups of the two characters.  As the scene prepares to end, the camera moves out to a medium shot of the two saying last goodbyes and then further moves out to a long shot.  This cycle helped to create the same feeling of leaving that the characters were experiencing. 

A few shots later, Braff is seen at a medium close up on the plane.  This shot gives idea that something is changing and that the character is contemplating his decision.  A quick cut to a long shot of Portman crying then reveals Braff returning.  As the scene closes the camera pulls further and further out putting a close to the film.

Overall, the film shots used in Garden State helped to make the scene more relatable and emotional to the viewer.  Had the same scene been shot using different angles, the effectiveness of the closing scene would have been much less and the ending of the film may not have seemed as satisfying to the viewer.

The Studio System

Classical Hollywood film studios had a very specific organization.  In these successful studios, all steps of the film process (production, distribution, exhibition, and stars) could be found in one place.  During this time, the most influential part of the studio system was found in the stars.  Studios would contractually bind actors and then loan the talent out to other producers.  In the eyes of the audience, the stars were the biggest representation of the studio and were also the main reason that people would pay to see certain films.  

Stars during this time typically did not cross genres.  Instead, the actor became associated with a certain genre and talent.  This was especially true in the case of Humphrey Bogart.  The famed actor developed a certain role, character and look which began to carry over into each of his movies.  With this, Warner Brothers began producing a high volume of gangster and detective films, in which Bogart was often the main feature.  With the start of WWII, most studios moved to war themed films, but even in the changing genre, Bogart's widely known traits remained.  

The star system used in classical Hollywood studios greatly affected the future of films.  Without the talent, most people would not find interest in seeing a particular movie.  Actors became the main selling point for films and was essentially the reason that studios were able to profit.

Modern vs. Contemporary Sitcoms

When watching television today, many viewers assume that shows create completely unique and creative situations for characters to experience.  Once given the opportunity to view TV shows from the past, however, the impact of former entertainment becomes apparent.  The similarities in format between a contemporary show such as "All In The Family," and a modern show such as "Everybody Loves Raymond" are numerous.  

"All In The Family"  portrayed a daughter, her husband and the daughter's parents.  Tension between the husband, Michael, and the father, Archie is high, creating a humorous situation for viewers.  This in-law humor is very similar to many shows now found on TV.  In "Everybody Loves Raymond," the situation is somewhat flipped, with the wife having issues with her husband's parents, but overall the affect is is very similar.  Beyond in-law humor, the show also pokes fun at the older generation.  This is very much like what we now see on television, in which the older people are usually a bit wacky.  

Despite the similarities, "All In The Family"  also was a bit different from what we often find on television today.  Although it is not uncommon for topics such as homosexuality to be discussed in shows, it is often done in a much less blatant manner.  In the episode watched, the comments made by Archie Bunker seemed extremely dated and insensitive.  A TV show today would approach the topic in a less harsh way in order to suit a more general audience.  

Television has continued to evolve over the past 60 years, and while we still use many of the same formats for shows, such as the family sitcom or the slapstick comedy, shows have begun to portray controversies and issues in a much different light;  instead of possibly offending people to make a point, directors and writers now use a more subdued method to get the idea across to audiences. 

Commercial Interest In Radio

Advertising and sponsorship of radio programs during the 1920s was on of the most influential factors in the future of radio.

Commercial interest, or advertising, is a way for companies to present their product to the public.  As most people look to some form of media for news or entertainment, television and radio is often a way that sponsors look to advertise.  These advertisements help fund the network, which broadcasts programs and also helps to inform the public.  In the Radio Act of 1927, the FCC stated that the radio must act in the "public interest, convenience and necessity" of the American people.  Later, they would define that advertising was part of the public interest because it encouraged consumerism.

In the early 20s, AT&T began to charge broadcasters a fee for using the radio stations.  This soon led to advertisers paying to have their product pushed during radio programs.  As radio was a low profit medium, these advertisements helped to create revenue.  Beyond just this, the advertisements helped to create a unique format for radio.  Over the course of about 5 years,  privately owned stations became affiliates of larger networks, which then decided what programs were broadcast.  The advertisements funded programs that allowed people all across the country to feel as if they were a part of an imagined community.  This radio format changed culture, by increasing knowledge of other regions and national issues. One example of this can be seen in the newscasts made by Edward R. Murrow.  Murrow presented both national and global stories that reached the American public and changed opinion towards war and life in general.

The Social Learning Theory in Media

As the media presents ideas and shows gender in specific ways, children begin to accept that they must act in a certain manner in order to fit in with society.  This observational learning is part of the Social Learning Theory. 

According to the Social Learning Theory, people have the ability to learn through observing others.  Although once used for analyzing the criminal mind, the theory now crosses over into media as well.  Because media plays a large role in our daily lives, the theory claims that it can have an effect on our behavior and thoughts.  Over time, many begin to adapt to the images and ideologies they see in the media. 

The Social Learning Theory is especially accurate in young children and adolescents.  From a very young age, boys watch television shows that portray action and violence.  Actors, that become heroic in the eyes of the young boys, demonstrate that through brutal force they are able to succeed in whatever situation they given.  As a result, many boys then think that it is necessary to be violent or tough.  In the film Tough Guise, this idea was closely examined.  Through the images that the media delivers, boys and girls quickly learn what they are "supposed" to be.  The clip shown below is a further example of this ideology so common in media. Throughout the entire trailer, force and violence seem to be the presented answer to all problems.

Hegemony is Everywhere

No matter where we get out daily news or entertainment from, the creators of the information are trying to push some sort of idea to their audience.  This process in the media industry is known as hegemony.  Through constant reinforcements of a certain ideology, a dominant (most likely, more wealthy) group can turn a few ideas into accepted common knowledge of a mass group of people.  Although hegemony has proven to be extremely effective, the ideals created by such a process are by no means permanent.

Hegemony is not simply an aspect of the media.  The influence of different groups can be seen anywhere, whether it be a celebrity creating a new hair trend or a church influencing political views.  The most unsettling feature of hegemony in all forms? The fact that none of us seem to be aware that is in fact influencing us.

One example of hegemony that I remember from a couple years back was a commercial for Jim Beam Bourbon, in which the "perfect girlfriend" is described.  Clearly catering towards males, the commercial went on to feature a young woman expressing how she didn't care if her partner didn't treat her well or respect her.  Beyond the fact that the commercial was offensive to women, it also helped to reinforce the idea that men care very little about what their partner has to say or how she feels.  Although the commercial is clearly a stretch and certainly does not describe the majority of males, it does create the idea that a man's version of the optimum relationship is based solely on superficial values.  Because the commercial is giving a set of ideals to the audience it can be seen as a form of hegemony.

Video found on DailyMotion.com

RTF Blogpost Numero Uno

Hey everyone!  My name is Kayla (as is obvious from the title of my blog), and I'm a sophomore at UT.  I just transferred here from Fordham University in New York City, so I'm brand new to the Austin area.  I'm currently an English major, but I will be applying to the RTF program as a double major this semester.  I'm in this class because I think it will give me a better idea of what to expect once I begin my process to earning a degree in RTF.  Ideally, like a lot of the other kids in this class, I would hope to be working in film or television, specifically focusing in writing.  Unfortunately, the chances of that dream actually becoming a reality are probably pretty slim, which is another reason for me being in the class- I'm hoping it will help me explore other areas that I could work in without completely compromising my goals. 

Saying that I love all forms of media at this point is probably redundant, seeing as I'm hoping to turn that love into a career, so I'll leave you with a couple examples of where I like to get my information on new films and music.