The part of chapter 8 that focused on advertising was a portion I greatly enjoyed. Advertising is something we see around us each and every day. It affects our lifestyles whether we are willing to admit it or not - somewhere along the line some form of advertisement has persuaded you to buy or view something. Here are what I believed to be the 5 big ideas of this chapter:
1. The first idea that stood out to me was product affinity. This, in reality, is the main purpose of advertising. The idea is to get the public's acceptance on a product or message - to have them form a relationship with it as well as the people who feel similarly. With this symmetry comes the pull to make a purchase or take an action. It allows for a strong band of loyal followers to be generated; it makes the audience feel as if they belong.
2. Another topic that caught my attention was when it was speaking about how advertisers capture their audiences. They do this in a number of different ways. For example, one of the most important factors for advertisers is how to "speak directly" to their individual audiences and their desires. It is said in this chapter that people often build up who they are based on what they buy and what surrounds them - it is up to advertisers to unlock this "code" and figure out how to touch upon these hidden desires. They attempt to make advertisements as personal as possible in some situations in order to garner the attention that is required. Another way advertisers build their audiences is through the use of sexual imagery. These advertisements push the limits of culture and often draw in universal appeal. They can be used in a number of different ways that are irrelevant to the subject of sex - such as cultural issues (ex. PETA ad shown in textbook).
3. The idea of narrowcasting is definitely another important one. In today's society, it is incredibly difficult for advertisers to gather their target audiences and truly reach them. By generating more specific messages, they can speak to smaller audiences and provide them will all necessary information. This makes it easier for a connection to be made between consumer and product.
4. Product placement or product integration is something I have been familiar with for quite some time. It is something that not many people notice if generated correctly. Some shows are more subtle in their approaches, but still get it done. With product placement, certain products are mixed into the entertainment - it is being advertised but not in an "in your face" kind of way. This chapter talked about the fact that there are two reasons product placements has become so important over the years. For one, the price of generating television shows has increased tremendously, prompting companies to seek alternate forms of revenue. Secondly, the number of people watching shows on the Internet and DVR - without commercials - has also grown; with product placement, companies are gaining the advertisements that might be necessary for their continued success.
5. Finally, the section that focused on how commercial advertising influences the public was one I found to be of importance. I recently wrote a paper on how movies influence culture, and this section pointed out some of the same ideas. Children are the ones most influenced by what they see. They believe things a lot easier and have a lesser sense of reality than adults. Critics constantly argue the negative way advertising projects the "perfect" women - people are made to believe that in order to be beautiful, it is necessary to look like the people on TV. While meant to sell a product or message, advertisements often give off the wrong one; although not intended, it is an unfortunate occurrence that cannot really be altered.
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Friday, April 27, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Print Ads
Advertisements are intended to draw our attention. They are supposed to capture us and prompt us to use a product or make a purchase. Print ads are some of my favorite advertisements; they are creative as well as informative - I definitely have my favorites. In this blog I'm going to provide you with my top 5 print advertisements. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
1. Sally Hansen Salon Effects
I see this advertisement a lot; it is in almost every magazine I read. I love how the image seems as though it is 3-dimensional. The nails look like they are popping out at you - you want to buy these nail designs! Seeing this advertisement so much actually made me purchase them and I think they are amazing! They last so much longer than nail polish and are really simple to apply. This ad is heavy on the creative aspect; it provides information but does not make that information the main focus like some ads do.
2. Forever 21
I love all of the Forever 21 ads in general - I just chose to use this one as an example. This store is definitely one of my favorites and viewing these ads simply spark my interest. The models are always dressed in amazing outfits - some that you wouldn't even think to put together! They give you ideas to create your own outfits based on what you see; they spark that creative piece inside of you.
3. Juicy Couture "Peace, Love Juicy" Fragrance Ad
This advertisement is yet another one of my favorites. All of the Juicy Couture ads are very regal looking yet young and artistic. This ad draws your attention to the gigantic perfume bottle as well as the elaborate accessories draped all around the model. It is incredibly creative and filled with the beauty and high-end fashion you would expect from a brand such as Juicy Couture.
4. Range Rover
Range Rovers - these cars are incredibly desired (especially by me). It is meant to be influential; it is intended to make you want to purchase this vehicle for a gift. The imagery is attention-grabbing. You don't see the background as much as you see the car. All of the Range Rover advertisements seem to be constructed in a similar manner yet they never lose their influence or creativity.
5. Dior Sunglasses
Dior is yet another high-end fashion brand. This advertisement can definitely attest to that. The model appears to be superior and high-up in society. You want those sunglasses and you want to be her. This advertisement makes you feel as though you will achieve greatness if you purchase these sunglasses. It is simple yet influential and I love it.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Shows Throughout The Years
Looking back, it is incredible to note the numerous shows that have come about - some have lasted for years and years, while others did not succeed like we thought they would. This blog was meant to continue a video we saw in class that provided us with a history of television. We saw the popular TV shows from the 1950s until 1996, and our task was to continue it to the present. It took a lot of research to figure out the years these shows came about; it brought back a lot of memories of shows I remember watching, or remember seeing my parents watch. I traced back to the year 1997 and listed the popular shows that began each year. So, without further ado, let's begin!
1996-1997
1996-1997
7th Heaven (WB)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (WB)
Just Shoot Me (NBC)
1998
The King of Queens (CBS)
Will & Grace (NBC)
Felicity (WB)
Dawson’s Creek (WB)
Charmed (WB)
Two of a Kind (ABC)
Whose Line Is It Anyway (ABC)
1999
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC)
Futurama (Fox)
Third Watch (NBC)
That 70s Show (Fox)
Family Guy (Fox)
Providence (NBC)
2000
Malcolm in the Middle (Fox)
Yes, Dear (CBS)
Boston Public (Fox)
Gilmore Girls (WB)
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS)
Survivor (CBS)
2001
Alias (ABC)
Law & Order: Criminal Intent (NBC)
Fear Factor (NBC)
Crossing Jordan (NBC)
Scrubs (NBC)
Smallville (WB)
My Wife & Kids (ABC)
According to Jim (ABC)
The Amazing Race (CBS)
2002
American Dreams (NBC)
8 Simple Rules for Dating my Teenage Daughter (ABC)
George Lopez (ABC)
The Bachelor (ABC)
Without A Trace (CBS)
What I Like About You (WB)
2003
One Tree Hill (WB)
American Idol (Fox)
The Bachelorette (ABC)
Surreal Life (WB)
Cold Case (CBS)
Arrested Development (Fox)
Two & A Half Men (CBS)
Las Vegas (NBC)
NCIS (CBS)
America’s Next Top Model (UPN)
Hope & Faith (ABC)
The O.C. (Fox)
2004
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC)
The Apprentice (NBC)
Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Boston Legal (ABC)
The Biggest Loser (NBC)
Lost (ABC)
CSI: NY (CBS)
2005
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
American Dad (Fox)
Supernanny (ABC)
Medium (NBC)
How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Prison Break (Fox)
Criminal Minds (CBS)
Ghost Whisperer (CBS)
2006
Supernatural (WB)
Deal or No Deal (NBC)
The Unit (Fox)
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS)
Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
The Game (CW)
Heroes (NBC)
Friday Night Lights (NBC)
Ugly Betty (ABC)
2007
Samantha Who? (ABC)
The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Pushing Daisies (ABC)
Private Practice (ABC)
Gossip Girl (CW)
2008
Privileged (CW)
The Mentalist (CBS)
90210 (CW)
Fringe (FOX)
2009
The Cleveland Show (Fox)
The Jay Leno Show (NBC)
NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS)
The Good Wife (CBS)
Modern Family (ABC)
Cougar Town (ABC)
The Vampire Diaries (CW)
2010
Hawaii Five-0 (CBS)
No Ordinary Family (ABC)
Body of Proof (ABC)
Blue Bloods (CBS)
2011
Once Upon A Time (ABC)
Pan Am (ABC)
2 Broke Girls (CBS)
Smash (NBC)
New Girl (Fox)
Revenge (ABC)
The Secret Circle (CW)
Awake (NBC)
This is a pretty decent size list, and it is only some of the shows that premiered throughout the years. These are a mixture of shows that achieved popularity, shows that did not, and shows that I greatly enjoyed. It's interesting to see how the focus and plot of shows has shifted from the earlier years; there seem to be a lot more crime and drama shows, as opposed to a ton of sitcoms. Who knows what this list will contain if I were to continue it in another couple of years!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
5 Big Ideas About Television
Television - a form of entertainment I could honestly not live without. When I think about the shows I watch not being in existence, I actually get really upset. I look forward to watching a set number of shows each week and am extremely thankful for the invention of DVR. I loved reading this section of chapter 6 and learning all about television in its beginning. Here are what I feel to be the 5 big ideas:
1. Similar to the film industry, the television industry has its top competitors/networks. What originally started out as the Big Three soon developed into the Big Four. These networks are still ones we hear of today - NBC (National Broadcasting Corporation), ABC (American Broadcasting System), CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System), and FOX (Fox Broadcasting Company). These four networks have faced competition amongst themselves as well as with emerging cable and satellite stations over the years.
2. I always knew ratings were incredibly important to the success or failure of a television show, I just never knew there was a system created to measure them. The Nielsen Ratings system is used to measure audience sizes; there is a specific way of going about generating of these ratings, but to be completely honest, the whole thing kind of confused me.
Also, coinciding with ratings is sweep week. They are the first weeks of November, March, May, and July. Audience viewership during these weeks is crucial in determining the future of a television series; it is one of the biggest deciding factors in their fate.
3. I may not be the biggest sports fan out there, but it was interesting to read about how it all began. I could not believe that the first events covered on television were boxing and wrestling matches! Also that a baseball game between Columbia and Princeton in 1939 was the first televised sports event! It is crazy to see how sports programming has evolved over the years! These events attract insanely large audiences; people look forward to watching sporting events on their television screens!
4. I must admit, I am a sucker for reality television. The semi-drama and overall entertainment draws me in; it is like my guilty pleasure. The fact that the thought of creating such a genre was developed by a British producer, and in 1996 no less, completely baffled me. I never knew that Survivor was the first reality series (it developed out of Charlie Parsons' 1996 idea).
5. The future of television is one that is completely unknown. With the focus shifting towards the Internet, no one knows what will become of it. This chapter tells us that while NBC is attempting to add the Internet into their focus, CBS is confident that the shows they have on the air will be successful no matter what. I look forward to what will become of television as the years go on. I, for one, am fully devoted to it and don't see myself moving towards viewing over the Internet as a full-time thing. Occasionally, I will watch a show online, but there is something about watching it on the larger screen that makes the storyline all the more powerful.
1. Similar to the film industry, the television industry has its top competitors/networks. What originally started out as the Big Three soon developed into the Big Four. These networks are still ones we hear of today - NBC (National Broadcasting Corporation), ABC (American Broadcasting System), CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System), and FOX (Fox Broadcasting Company). These four networks have faced competition amongst themselves as well as with emerging cable and satellite stations over the years.
2. I always knew ratings were incredibly important to the success or failure of a television show, I just never knew there was a system created to measure them. The Nielsen Ratings system is used to measure audience sizes; there is a specific way of going about generating of these ratings, but to be completely honest, the whole thing kind of confused me.
Also, coinciding with ratings is sweep week. They are the first weeks of November, March, May, and July. Audience viewership during these weeks is crucial in determining the future of a television series; it is one of the biggest deciding factors in their fate.
3. I may not be the biggest sports fan out there, but it was interesting to read about how it all began. I could not believe that the first events covered on television were boxing and wrestling matches! Also that a baseball game between Columbia and Princeton in 1939 was the first televised sports event! It is crazy to see how sports programming has evolved over the years! These events attract insanely large audiences; people look forward to watching sporting events on their television screens!
4. I must admit, I am a sucker for reality television. The semi-drama and overall entertainment draws me in; it is like my guilty pleasure. The fact that the thought of creating such a genre was developed by a British producer, and in 1996 no less, completely baffled me. I never knew that Survivor was the first reality series (it developed out of Charlie Parsons' 1996 idea).
5. The future of television is one that is completely unknown. With the focus shifting towards the Internet, no one knows what will become of it. This chapter tells us that while NBC is attempting to add the Internet into their focus, CBS is confident that the shows they have on the air will be successful no matter what. I look forward to what will become of television as the years go on. I, for one, am fully devoted to it and don't see myself moving towards viewing over the Internet as a full-time thing. Occasionally, I will watch a show online, but there is something about watching it on the larger screen that makes the storyline all the more powerful.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
5 Big Ideas About Film
The film industry is one that completely fascinates me. Learning about how movies are made boggles my mind; I have had the opportunity to work as an extra on a television show and witness the work put into a minute-long scene. If filming a scene that short took nearly 4 hours I could only imagine the difficulty filming a movie brings to the surface.
1. The first idea that sparked my interest in this chapter about film was the beginning of the Motion Picture Patents Company. These film companies basically formed their own little nation, securing their dominance in the industry. They worked together to achieve what they wanted, whether it be resources or more money from producers. Like always, there were some companies that wished to remain on their own. They were known as the "independents" and basically were in charge of the "underground" film industry. The Motion Picture Patents Company attempted to exert all of their energy on getting the "independents" to join their coalition, which in the end, failed.
2. I also found it interesting to read about the majors and minors in the film industry during the Golden Age. While these 8 studios were an incredible part of the film industry all those years ago, their influence and place has greatly changed. Most seem to be either owned by another major company or setting up plans to merge with one. RKO (Radio-Keith-Orpheum) Pictures, which was one of the 5 majors during the Golden Age, does not even exist anymore! This industry is an ever-changing one, and companies such as Paramount, Loew's/MGM, Fox Film Corporation, and Warner Bros. are not as strong and self-sufficient as they used to be.
3. Reading about the different rating systems developed throughout years helps reestablish the fact that things change with time. The world was changing and the need for the Hays Code of ratings was not as necessary as it previously was. In 1968, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) created the Motion Pictures Ratings System which still protected people from explicit content, but allowed for producers to test certain boundaries and shed light on topics that had previously never been touched upon.
4. Another topic I enjoyed reading about was the influences different countries had on the film industry in the United States. Denmark provided us with the idea of feature-length films, Germany opened up our eyes to the darker side of film (touching upon subjects such as insanity and betrayal), Japanese movies led to the eventual creation of the Rashomon effect which told thriller stories through different characters' eyes, and Italians brought in nonprofessional actors when their stories pertained to the poor classes of society.
5. If it were not for the development of special effects, the movie industry would be completely unlike it is today. The entire system began with a man named Bill Abbott, who created action scale models of items, used special lighting and high-speed cameras, in order to create an amazing film. While I was aware of some of these effects, I did not have knowledge of most of their official names and I enjoyed learning them. When I took a tour of Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, North Carolina I remember seeing the visual paintings of outdoor scenery behind the sets. Now, because of this chapter, I know that they are referred to as matte shots. It is incredible to see just how detailed these images are - it is as though you are actually looking outside when you look through the window!
Overall, I greatly enjoyed reading this chapter. I love watching movies (and television), and always find myself questioning and pondering what it takes to create one. This chapter allowed me to absorb a lot more information, and also think of new ideas I want to look further into!
1. The first idea that sparked my interest in this chapter about film was the beginning of the Motion Picture Patents Company. These film companies basically formed their own little nation, securing their dominance in the industry. They worked together to achieve what they wanted, whether it be resources or more money from producers. Like always, there were some companies that wished to remain on their own. They were known as the "independents" and basically were in charge of the "underground" film industry. The Motion Picture Patents Company attempted to exert all of their energy on getting the "independents" to join their coalition, which in the end, failed.
2. I also found it interesting to read about the majors and minors in the film industry during the Golden Age. While these 8 studios were an incredible part of the film industry all those years ago, their influence and place has greatly changed. Most seem to be either owned by another major company or setting up plans to merge with one. RKO (Radio-Keith-Orpheum) Pictures, which was one of the 5 majors during the Golden Age, does not even exist anymore! This industry is an ever-changing one, and companies such as Paramount, Loew's/MGM, Fox Film Corporation, and Warner Bros. are not as strong and self-sufficient as they used to be.
3. Reading about the different rating systems developed throughout years helps reestablish the fact that things change with time. The world was changing and the need for the Hays Code of ratings was not as necessary as it previously was. In 1968, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) created the Motion Pictures Ratings System which still protected people from explicit content, but allowed for producers to test certain boundaries and shed light on topics that had previously never been touched upon.
4. Another topic I enjoyed reading about was the influences different countries had on the film industry in the United States. Denmark provided us with the idea of feature-length films, Germany opened up our eyes to the darker side of film (touching upon subjects such as insanity and betrayal), Japanese movies led to the eventual creation of the Rashomon effect which told thriller stories through different characters' eyes, and Italians brought in nonprofessional actors when their stories pertained to the poor classes of society.
5. If it were not for the development of special effects, the movie industry would be completely unlike it is today. The entire system began with a man named Bill Abbott, who created action scale models of items, used special lighting and high-speed cameras, in order to create an amazing film. While I was aware of some of these effects, I did not have knowledge of most of their official names and I enjoyed learning them. When I took a tour of Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, North Carolina I remember seeing the visual paintings of outdoor scenery behind the sets. Now, because of this chapter, I know that they are referred to as matte shots. It is incredible to see just how detailed these images are - it is as though you are actually looking outside when you look through the window!
Overall, I greatly enjoyed reading this chapter. I love watching movies (and television), and always find myself questioning and pondering what it takes to create one. This chapter allowed me to absorb a lot more information, and also think of new ideas I want to look further into!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Top 10 Films
While I am someone who enjoys watching movies, I do not have the time to sit down and watch them as much as I used to. I enjoy comedies, romantic comedies, dramas, and horror movies. I never seem to be too fond of the movies nominated for The Academy Awards, which sometimes comes at a disadvantage to me when I am in class discussions. In this post, I must list my top 10 movies; you might not agree with my choices, and they might be a little cliche, but they are ones I have grown to love; ones I can watch a millions times and still never be sick of.
Like I previously stated, these may not be movies you are too fond of, but they are the ten that I love. They are not Oscar-worthy movies but, in my eyes, they are amazing!
1. A Walk to Remember
2. John Tucker Must Die
3. The Notebook
4. The Hitcher
5. Dear John
6. A Cinderella Story
6. A Cinderella Story
7. How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days
8. The House Bunny
9. Sweet Home Alabama
10. Easy A
10. Easy A
Like I previously stated, these may not be movies you are too fond of, but they are the ten that I love. They are not Oscar-worthy movies but, in my eyes, they are amazing!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Radio
Radio, similar to music, has always been a part of my life. It has been forced to adapt to the changing times, to deal with advances in technology in an attempt to maintain its listenership. It is easy for one to see how technology has impacted the radio; it does not seem to be as popular as it was before. Similar to my last post, I will be offering up what I believe to be the 5 "big ideas" expressed in the section on radio in my textbook.
1. In 1996, the U.S. Government attempted to help the radio and recording industries through a process known as deregulation, by passing the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Under this act, companies were not limited to the number of radio stations they could own. However, instead of stirring up competition like it intended, it simply allowed bigger companies to gain more control over the industry. Also, because of this act, the recording industry underwent a series of mergers. This led to the domination of 4 major labels, which are sometimes referred to as "the majors". These labels are Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and EMI. What was intended with this act was not what came into fruition. This act simply made it possible for companies and labels to gain even more control over the industry than they previously had.
2. It was interesting to learn about the competition among different types of radio stations. For example, in the 1990s music programming found itself competing with what is known as the "morning zoo" format. I had previously heard of this format, but I never truly knew what it was until now. This format took on something similar to a talk-show, by incorporating music, staged stunts, and pop-culture commentary throughout its broadcast period. At a time similar to this format's beginning, MTV developed a similar strategy, adding lifestyle programming to its agenda rather than simply offering up music videos.
3. I found in intriguing how the book pointed out that although Internet radio has had an impact on traditional broadcast radio, it is simply a way of better utilizing technology in the changing times rather than killing the radio. This increasing reliance on the internet has forced the radio and recording industries to change their ways in order to avoid extinction. Internet radio offers the same music, reaches the same audience numbers, and is a lot cheaper to operate. Reading this chapter definitely has me looking to see how the industry will scramble to remain in existence.
4. This chapter also offered up the significance of satellite radio, which is also becoming a popular choice among consumers. Satellite radio stations offer more specific music. They stray away from the overplayed traditional playlists, are commercial-free, and allow for hundreds of channels that offer diverse genres of music.
5. A final point I found to be interesting and important in this chapter was the part about iTunes. It is incredible to see the popularity this program achieved in less than ten years. Beginning in 2003, iTunes has achieved extreme recognition, being accountable for 70% of music sales WORLWIDE! The numbers are incredible! iTunes has sold more than 9 billion tracks; it is one of the main sources of internet downloads. While good for sales of music, it has an extreme effect on the radio industry, and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
So, those are the ideas that I feel were the biggest in the section on radio. Radio, from it's beginning has been a staple in the lives of Americans, but changes in technology and society have affected its popularity and threatened its success. As the world continues to develop and change, I am eager to see what will become of it. Will the radio soon cease to exist? Will the internet take over the music industry?
1. In 1996, the U.S. Government attempted to help the radio and recording industries through a process known as deregulation, by passing the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Under this act, companies were not limited to the number of radio stations they could own. However, instead of stirring up competition like it intended, it simply allowed bigger companies to gain more control over the industry. Also, because of this act, the recording industry underwent a series of mergers. This led to the domination of 4 major labels, which are sometimes referred to as "the majors". These labels are Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and EMI. What was intended with this act was not what came into fruition. This act simply made it possible for companies and labels to gain even more control over the industry than they previously had.
2. It was interesting to learn about the competition among different types of radio stations. For example, in the 1990s music programming found itself competing with what is known as the "morning zoo" format. I had previously heard of this format, but I never truly knew what it was until now. This format took on something similar to a talk-show, by incorporating music, staged stunts, and pop-culture commentary throughout its broadcast period. At a time similar to this format's beginning, MTV developed a similar strategy, adding lifestyle programming to its agenda rather than simply offering up music videos.
3. I found in intriguing how the book pointed out that although Internet radio has had an impact on traditional broadcast radio, it is simply a way of better utilizing technology in the changing times rather than killing the radio. This increasing reliance on the internet has forced the radio and recording industries to change their ways in order to avoid extinction. Internet radio offers the same music, reaches the same audience numbers, and is a lot cheaper to operate. Reading this chapter definitely has me looking to see how the industry will scramble to remain in existence.
4. This chapter also offered up the significance of satellite radio, which is also becoming a popular choice among consumers. Satellite radio stations offer more specific music. They stray away from the overplayed traditional playlists, are commercial-free, and allow for hundreds of channels that offer diverse genres of music.
5. A final point I found to be interesting and important in this chapter was the part about iTunes. It is incredible to see the popularity this program achieved in less than ten years. Beginning in 2003, iTunes has achieved extreme recognition, being accountable for 70% of music sales WORLWIDE! The numbers are incredible! iTunes has sold more than 9 billion tracks; it is one of the main sources of internet downloads. While good for sales of music, it has an extreme effect on the radio industry, and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
So, those are the ideas that I feel were the biggest in the section on radio. Radio, from it's beginning has been a staple in the lives of Americans, but changes in technology and society have affected its popularity and threatened its success. As the world continues to develop and change, I am eager to see what will become of it. Will the radio soon cease to exist? Will the internet take over the music industry?
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