Thursday, 1 February 2018

Industry key words

BARB - The Broadcasters' Audience Research Board is the organisation that compiles audience measurement and television ratings in the United Kingdom. BARB is owned by BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, SkyB and the IPA and collects information from BARB panel members such as what they do for media consumption and provide this info to broadcasters and advertising companies.

WEBCASTING LICENSE - If you operate a service that streams sound recordings online, then you will need a Webcasting License. Webcasting involves two exclusive rights of copyright owners: the reproduction of the sound recording for the purpose of creating the webcast program and the communication of those sound recordings over the internet.

TECHNOLOGICAL CONVERGENCE – is when new technologies are created that take over from past technologies and perform the same tasks but in an advanced manner. For example people used to listen to music via radio now due to technological convergence people listen to music typically through their phones.

WEB 3.0 OR SEMANTIC WEB - The Semantic Web is an extension of the Web where data is given explicit meaning. This allows the data to be integrated, processed, shared, and filtered with much greater ease than before.

INTERNET OF THINGS - Is the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity which enables these objects to connect and exchange data.

BINGE-VIEWING - Binge-watching or marathon-viewing, is the practice of watching television for a long time span, usually a single television show. For example watching six episodes from a series on Netflix typically without stopping.

DAB – otherwise known as digital audio broadcasting is audio broadcasting in which analog audio is converted into a digital signal and transmitted on an assigned channel. For example the breakfast show on BBC radio 1.

TRADITIONAL MEDIA – is any form of mass communication before digital media was introduced. These were things such like television, radio, newspapers, books, magazines etc.

GOOGLE ANALYTICS- Google Analytics is a freemium web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic. Google launched the service in November 2005 after acquiring Urchin. Google Analytics is now the most widely used web analytics service on the Internet.

RAJAR - Radio Joint Audience Research and is the official body in charge of measuring radio audiences in the UK. It is jointly owned by the BBC and the Radio Centre on behalf of the commercial sector.


NRS - The National Readership Survey is a joint venture company in the UK between the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, the Newspaper Publishers Association and the Periodical Publishers Association.

MIDAS - Midas Media is a specialist PPC Advertising Agency. Key media partners you would find on Google, Bing etc
CULTURAL IMPERIALISM - Comprises the cultural aspects of imperialismImperialism refers to the unequal relationships between civilizations; favoring the more powerful civilization, e.g the western world. Said that non-Western cultures, particularly from the Third World, will lose their traditional values and lose their cultural identities when they are solely exposed to Western media.
DEMOCRATISATION OF THE MASS MEDIA - A media democracy focuses on using information technologies to empower individual people and promote democratic ideals through the spread of information. Specifically used through the 'Big Six' as they use their hierarchy to promote ideas through radio, TV, billboards.
EFFECTS OF PIRACY - The losses suffered as a result of software piracy affect the profitability of the software industry. Also, software publishers, developers and vendors are take actions to protect their revenue, using pirated software is also risky for users. Commonly occurs for films being published on illegal websites were users can watch the latest films for free resulting in companies losing out on profit.
HORIZONTAL INTEGRATION - The process of a company increasing production of goods/ services at the same part of the supply chain. When Disney were looking to to grow its market share, strengthen its product line, reduce its competition and access new markets therefore Disney acquired Pixar Studios.
VERTICAL INTEGRATION - The combination in one firm of two or more stages of production normally operated by separate firms. Apple buys Star Wars mothon-capture company Faceshift
DIVERSIFICATION -The process of a company enlarging or varying its range of products or field of operation.Companies can produce a new film with the new film being the core product but in addition to this the company can produce merchandise etc to go along side tomato extra revenue.
ALTERNATIVE MEDIA AND INDEPENDENT MEDIA -Alternative media are media that differ from established types of media in terms of their content, production, or distribution, they take many forms including print, audio, video, Internet etc. Independent media refers to any form of media such as radio, television, newspapers or the Internet, that is free of influence by government or corporate interests. An independent form of media would include Buzzfeed and an alternative form of media would be the publication of controversial stories in newspapers.
CONGLOMERATE - A company that owns numerous companies involved in mass media enterprises, such as television, radio, publishing, motion pictures, theme parks, or the Internet. Includes 20th Century Fox, Disney, Time Warner etc
GRA - W.R. Grace and Company is an American chemical conglomerate, Grace is divided into three business segments; Grace Catalysts Technologies, Grace Materials Technologies, and Grace Construction Products. Uses diversification to branch in all areas.
PEGI - Stands for Pan European Game Information. It is a European video game content rating system established to help European consumers make informed decisions on buying computer games. For example, PEGI officially rates Call of Duty suitable for people who are 18 or over.
MEDIA WATCH UK - Mediawatch-UK. Formerly known as the national Viewers’ and listeners’ association, is a pressure group in the UK. They campaign against the publication and broadcast of media content that is harmful and offensive.For example, Mediawatch-UK has responded to Home office consultation on the regulation of R18 videos.
IPSO - IPSO (Independent Press Standards Organisations) issues new information for the public on court reporting; reporting of deaths and inquests and how journalists can use information in media. For example, all magazines and newspapers will be reviewed if an issue arises that journalists or editors have not met the code of practice.
WATERSHED - In broadcasting, the watershed or safe harbour is one or more dayparts during which it is appropriate to broadcast programming aimed towards mature or adult audiences. For example, Durex adverts will only be televised after a certain time in the evening.
OFCOM - Ofcom is the communications regulator in the UK. They regulate the TV, radio, mobiles and postal services. They stop scams and sharp practices from occurring. Ofcom works closely with stakeholders, politicians and media companies. 
BBC CHARTER - The royal charter is the constitutional basis for the BBC. It sets out the public purposes of the BBC, guarantees its dependence and outlines the duties of the trust and the executive board.
SYNERGY - Synergy is the term used to describe a situation where different entities cooperate advantageously for a final outcome. For example, a film will not only exploit itself but also exploit the soundtrack and a linked videogame.
PSB - PSB stands for Public service broadcasting. It Is used for public benefit rather than to serve purely commercial interests. For example, all of BBC’s television and radio stations have a public service remit, including those that broadcast digitally.
 BROADCAST CODE - The Ofcom broadcasting code is the UK code of broadcast advertising which applies to all advertisements and programme sponsorship credits on radio and television services licenced by Ofcom. For example, teleshopping, self-promotional television channels and interactive tv ads also must keep to the code.
IWF - The internet watch foundation is a registered charity based I Cambridgeshire. It states to ‘minimise the availability of potential criminal internet content’. For example, internet content, specifically images of child sexual abuse is strictly patrolled.

Friday, 19 January 2018

Marketing, production, distribution Jungle book essays


Essay on Jungle Book production
Disney as a conglomerate- Disney is one of the largest conglomerate’s in the production industry. It is part of the big 6. However, over the years, Disney has taken over companies such as Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm. It is soon to be taking over 20th century fox as both companies believe they will thrive in this rapidly changing industry. Disney’s main competition are companies such as Comcast and television and network distributors such as Netflix and Amazon prime. These companies distribute series and films to television and cable users.  The process and importance of production is to ensure they are recreating the original jungle book to attract audiences of all ages and interests. Disney’s new proposed streaming service is a new idea that is competition to Netflix however this service is said to cost ‘substantially’ less and will include programmes linking to Star Wars and new Disney series. This is expected to do very well because of Disney’s reputation which is known as one of the best film makers of all time. Disney are known for their iconic children’s movies containing action, adventure, comedy, romance and horror. There is a wide range of Disney movies including animation, Princesses, Sci-fi etc. Disney managed to capture audiences in 1967 with the release of the Jungle Book which was not the typical Disney princess film it included death and a young male which had not particularly been seen before. Disney in 2016 re-released this film but with real actors playing humans acting in amongst real animals. This changed their reputation of their film making being all cartoon however because of all the music, acting and themes include this film it helps them maintain the reputation. Faverau was able to use the same footage from other Disney films an adapted them for the Jungle Book. For example, the scene in the Lion King when Simba is being chased by buffalos is very similar, if not the same, as the scene where Mowgli gets chased by buffalos. He did this to save money by using the same footage but changing it to fi the film. The animal characters were created entirely in key frame computer animation, with the assistance of footage of real animal movement, the actors recording their lines, and performance capture for reference The production team underwent a thorough process to realistically convey the animals' speaking, while still making them perceptually believable to the audience. The concept of the uncanny valley suggests that humanoid objects which appear almost, but not exactly, like real human beings elicit uncanny, or strangely familiar, feelings of eeriness and revulsion in observers. They want the characters to not be eerie they want to be happy and likable.
To conclude, the production process of both Jungle book films places technology and the         experience of the audience at the heart of development. This commitment has not changed in the 80 years since the release of Snow White and by examining the production processes of both Jungle Book movies you can tell that the focus on technological change is just as important now as it ever was.

Essay on Marketing/Circulation
Paragraph 1 Disney as conglomerate
A conglomerate is a large company that owns other corporations. In this case for Disney they own companies such as Pixar, Marvel, Lucas films etc. This is what makes Disney a conglomerate and boosts their recognition and profits if they own other companies that people already know and love things from. The company makes a profit of $185 billion per annum through its marketing and merchandise sales. Disney’s marketing skills help them to become a conglomerate due to their extensive sales. When a new Disney film is due to be released, they use cross platform marketing to bring awareness and captivate audiences. For example, selling merchandise in the Disney Stores, creating rides and limited edition shows in their theme parks globally and using their platforms on social media to reach a vast audience. 2016 was the year Disney released the live action remake of the box office hit The Jungle Book. The Jungle book was already a classic Disney film in 1967. Therefore, Disney had to ensure that the live-action remake would be just as entertaining. Disney attracted a secondary and slightly older audience by including more violence and action within the scenes.  Also the second film has been editing with a darker toned image to give that adventurous, dangerous, emotional sense to the film. I feel due to this it changes the audience market massively to not only loyal children who watch the first however mostly adults due to the way it’s been created and film.
Jon Favreau introduced the new Jungle book as a modern remake of Rudyard Kipling’s classic Jungle Book. By introducing the film with this representation, he is attracting a certain audience who want to see the new one.
Disney attracted a secondary audience of adults who take their children to the cinema so have to watch the film so they have had to adapt the films to this otherwise the parents would refuse to take their kids to the cinema to watch the films and would see a drop in viewers. As well as this they have attracted a slightly older audience with the releases of marvel films which including topics which are usually aimed at old4er audiences as they include violence and death with some harder storylines to follow which the normal younger audience may not have been able to follow.
The original advert for the film was a lot shorter with many less affects included. It was basic a did not have real characters in it unlike the 2016 version. This has many affects with real characters in it
The famous singers of 1967 were jazz singers and this genre of music was very popular at the time. Therefore, it made the songs popular within the film. The actors of 2016 are all well- known however most of them are not primarily known for singing. Both 1967 and 2016 posters showed a main focus on the animals within the film, especially the main characters e.g. Bagura and Shere Kahn.
To conclude, marketing has obviously changed. You could argue that with its licensing deals with Kenzo and its focus on aggressively targeting a secondary audience to build profits on the back of a family audience who always turn out for Disney films you could argue that Disney have grown smarter and more precise with their planning, however we must also not forget that there are still lots of similarities between the two eras, for example the use of stars and red carpet premieres to promote a film remains in place as does the creation of character posters and trailers as the fundamental basics of  Disney marketing so to me what is  forgotten is that Disney as a conglomerate have always been a master at marketing, it is why they are the number one entertainment conglomerate in the world and  yes some of the practices have changed but the whole reason why there was new version of The Jungle Book in the first place was because of the success of the first film, a success driven by an effective marketing campaign.

Jungle book fact sheet


Front cover assessment




Tuesday, 2 January 2018

Tabloids VS Broadsheets

Conventions of a Broadsheet 

  • Big Title - plainer layout 
  • One picture (typically small)
  • Main story title 
  • Multiple articles - longer/more detailed 
  • Older readers 
  • Higher social groups
  • Quality or serious press

Conventions of a Tabloid 
  • Bright colour 
  • Popular press
  • Aimed at lower social groups 
  • Bold layout 
  • Large dramatic pictures 
  • Shorter articles
  • Puns and jokes 
  • Focus on human interests 
  • Gimmicks 

Representation of Youth


  1.  A young British male who is supposedly a 'chav' from the tracksuit he is wearing.
  2. The audience are being given a 'stereotypical' representation of the lower class, chavvy area. With a male in a white tracksuit, wearing a black mask, walking in front of a fire. Demonstrates how readers will start to believe these stereotypes of 'these' types of people.
  3. The way the Sun has represented and constructed ths front page, is first of all having the very alarming orange and yellow colour of the fire to catch the readers attention. Second of all the camera angle is straight on to show how it was captured in the moment and shows how this male could've made the fire. The lightingo f the photo is also very dark and gloomy which constructs the negative side.
  4. Along with this they have the bold heading saying 'ANARCHY' with smaller but still bold and readable bullet points underneath. This automatically allows readers to skim these and decide already what their impression of this story is. These points are also underlined
  5. I do think that this front cover matches with the institutional codes and conventions because this front cover is from a tabloid therefore they have to over-dramatise and stereotype stories in order to grab the readers attention. Which is shown here in the front cover from the large title and bright background. 

Newspaper front cover Research/ Planning





Monday, 18 December 2017

Evaluation of mock up of Daily Mail cover

1) What was the task you were given and who was your target audience?
In the task we were to replicate the front cover of the daily mail and adapt the main headline/story to be 'the break up of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle' whilst using and involving the codes and conventions of the daily mail. The target audience was aimed towards the B,C1,C2,D demographics and people who are interested in the royal family and politics.

2) What research did you undertake and what did you find were some of the typical conventions of the daily mail front cover - layout,types of stories, fonts.
When researching i decided to start off with looking at front covers of the daily mail to decide what layout would look and suit best with the main story, i also chose what paper layout i wanted to base mine off of. I then gathered some photos of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, then looked at the popular Brexit stories of that day and chose the Theresa May story of the Brexit deal/Brussels and decided to have that as a side story. When looking at the covers i found that some of the typical conventions and codes of the daily mail is that they usually have a bright column along the top with a picture, based on things like a competition to win money or an advertisement for a story inside e.g. read Jamie Oliver's best cooking tips. The Daily mail also usually have a bold title for one story then a photo for another they never have two for both, the font of the stories varies a lot too. They keep the actual article writing quite small and use many different fonts for the main headlines and side stories.

3) Which Daily Mail cover did you use as your main source? What are your observations from this source?
From looking at the cover that i chose i feel that it is overall very bold and eye-catching on all three stories. I feel it provides enough information for readers to skim read and decide whether they want to read the newspaper or not and enough pictures to feel the page and make it nice and intriguing to look at. 

4) Which areas did you find the most challenging?
What i found the most challenging was finding and having the right font so they can look the same to the original because i realised that the daily mail have they're own unique hand-made fonts so it was difficult to find which ones would look the most similar. Along with this it was also difficult to get the right size of the fonts, pictures etc. so it can fit in all of the one page. Finally coming up with a catchy headline was difficult too as you had to make sure it wasn't too long or too short. 

5) What was your initial feedback? What did others say about your production? How successful was it do you think? 
Overall i enjoyed the task as it was interesting to create the front cover and see what Daily mail prioritises over other newspaper values. I also like creating the layout i.e. matching and creating the colours to fit the original. I found that is was quite successful as people from my class said it looked very similar to the real thing which was obviously my main target to achieve and to have the same codes and conventions presented on my front cover correctly. 

6) Identify what went well and with hindsight what you do to improve/do differently.
I felt what went well personally was the top section of the newspaper as i had the same colours as the original along with a photo which made it look very realistic. I also thought what went well was the similarity with the main headline font as when comparing they looked very similar with the size and positioning. To improve and do differently would be to contain all of it in a line meaning the pictures, titles all line up and also pick 'The daily mail' header not being fuzzy and pixelated but clear. 

7) Are there any areas you haven't noticed before? What have you learnt from completing this task?
What i have realised from this task is what the daily mail news values are when making a front cover but what i didn't notice was that this newspaper is extremely effective when choosing articles, as i don't read the news a lot, i noticed how effective and dramatic they make their headlines to attract readers.