TASK 1
Read Kevin Maher (The Times film critic) on Trolls World Tour (Universal).
Use Trolls to respond to the following 2 exam essays separately, so write 2 paragraphs. Keep each to three or four crisp, factual sentences. Bonus points: refer to Netflix, disruption, your own film consumption.
Essay question 1: How far has digital technology changed patterns of distribution? (2015)
Essay question 2: To what extent does audience behaviour determine changes in the media industry? (2015)
During the lesson, Charlie discussed arguing against Maher's view (about home media replacing theatrical runs): of course you can. You could write "For Mayer,..." then "Arguably..." To support your point, you could say that theatrical chains / cinema exhibitors are obviously against this move, as are other studios, and there was a backlash, but Universal did the same thing again.
Backlash article: https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2495636/despite-trolls-backlash-universal-is-releasing-another-movie-straight-to-homes
Essay Question 1: How far has digital technology changed patterns of distribution?
In the new digital age, the pattern of distribution has changed because more consumers are staying home rather than consuming the cinematic experience. There has been a new rise in streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, and LoveFilm. Disney saw this opportunity to boot subscriptions to their own digital streaming service, Disney+ with the release of Trolls World Tour. The Trolls sequel has been released in cinemas and on the subscription service on the same order, to maximise their premiere day box office totals. Trolls World Tour shows that the pattern of distribution is starting to cater to the digital market rather than the cinema's demands.
Essay question 2: To what extent does the audience behaviour determine changes in the media industry?
In the past 10 years, the way the audience consume media has changed, due to the rise of streaming services. As services like Netflix allow the audience to consume new shows from the comfort of their own home, cinema audience numbers have been falling. In order to satisfy the new needs of a modern audience, distributors are now having to think about early streaming release as well as the cinematic release. As in the case of Trolls World Tour, distributors are now releasing films in cinemas and on paid subscription services on the same day.
Essay 1. Identify With reference to Trolls ( identify it as Universal's rather than Disney's), remember to add the 'backlash' info.
ReplyDeleteEssay 2. It's not just 'due to the rise of streaming services', of course. Mention requirements to self-isolate and how audiences are likely to be wary in the future. Perhaps state the names of some of the streaming platforms (given at the bottom of the article).
Use terms like 'disruption, home media, theatrical runs'.
Complete the second part of the writing using Disney:
Essay question 3: Evaluate the importance of media ownership on the media texts which get produced. Write a page.