Today in today’s workshop we discussed the communicative revolutions of media, and what is meant by media itself and the messages its produces today. Week 11’s lecture on Mediums and Technologies explored the historical and contextual media platforms, comparing early communicative understandings of the transmission model in contrast to our more post-modern interrelated system of connectedness present today.
As corporate privatization seemed to be a big influential factor of our media today, I decided to go a have a look at some of the more successful business’ advertisements online currently, and see whether I could make any sense of what was going (big picture style). Air B and B’s Is Mankind ad definitely demonstrates a rhetoric surrounding the sharing community concept, which I guess has recently emerged from the internet’s projection of global connectedness. As it has been discussed previously in prior classes, I do know that the sharing economy’s growth in popularity was due to the 2008 global financial crisis, which I guess in it’s aftermath put financial pressure on communities to ‘share and care’. Consequently, a neo-utopian lifestyle has emerged on social media that’s adopted a philosophy that advocated by ‘hipsters’ and boutique cafes.
Now, going back to the class discussion of the privatization of platforms, I don’t know whether this ‘humane’ idea is as legitimate as projected by huge billion dollar companies, because of, well, just that. This specific advertisement tries to unite through the campaign the diverse audience present online as it contemplates the identity of man through the symbolic gesture of a baby’s *evolutionary* progression. This utilizations of the anonymous face of the technological community sure, demonstrating Air B and B’s acknowledged of unidentified masses (… this is starting to sound very broadcast era-esque). It is for this reason I believe, audiences must continue to challenge the sharing markets privatisation and ‘production’ of unified universalism, as once again we see businesses appeal to generalised audiences. Especially considering they’re attempting to personalise their business by identifying who we, the un-identified technological audience, actually are. It’s weird because it doesn’t take long for the audience to realise that exploitation tools and techniques used in today’s advertising world, which makes me question why privatized companies like Air B n B keep putting money into ads they know will come off as creepily boosteristic and false. Maybe, instead they should try and rehumanise the experience of the technological communication economy by setting up travel agencies etc for people to go into and book through, or maybe that part of the industry is gone and dusted as more and more people seek from the internet the possibility to live.
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Here is a parody of the Is Mankind advertisement that I thought was very hilarious
Eva Orner’s 2016 documentary Chasing Asylum reveals the traumatic and inhumane treatment asylum seekers face consequent to the Howard government’s 2008 migration reform. Abbott’s widely and over projected answer that in order to save Australia’s (maybe legally dismissed but still psychologically present ‘White Australia Policy’), we must ‘stop the boats’. As a teenager of generation Y who still doesn’t really know enough about these issues to speak openly about ideas and opinions, Orner’s documentary opens a zip lock seal of Australian secrets, exposing the meaning and truths behind our Governments slogan-istic statements. Taking us undercover into Manus Island and Nauru through hidden cameras and phones, we see the little financial and emotion support the Australian Government gives to Asylum seekers whom are now imprisoned – despite their attempt to obtain freedom – by high metal fences and guards. The documentary discusses the economic strategy of the Pacific Solution, where the Australian Government exploits the financial instability of small South East Asian islands and countries (now Cambodia), paying them to ‘take our seekers’ for financial deposits. The narrative follows a non-linear structure using cross cut interviews with volunteers from Nauru to project the fragmentation felt among current seekers who currently hold no identify and future. Stripped of given names and instead associated with numbers (sound familiar) their camp is lined with white plastic sheets as walls, with no privacy or personality. Mental illness and suicide is explained as recurring themes on the islands (seeing up to four incidents of self harm daily), with personal interviews taken with seekers discussing they don’t want ‘to live out their youth in a place like this’ – Unidentified man, 28 years old.
Orner, also enforces Australia’s legal obligation and responsibility to protect human rights, exposing how recent approaches violate international treaties and conventions. In the 1950’s the United Nation declared treaties and conventions, catalyst to WWII’s lack of protection, which Australia signed in agreement to welcoming refugees (thus never again can genocide and human rights violations arise like it did in 1930s). Discussed in the film was Malcolm Fraser’s cooperation of these laws, demonstrated throughout the Vietnam War were refugees were flown in (organised by the Australian government) and be settled in Australia. However, in recent years the rhetoric of fear surrounding national security and the politics of Australia’s anti-terror laws have become overwhelmingly present, communicating to the Australian public a perceived threat of potential harm. Since 2001 and the Tampa incident – where children were being thrown off boats as a Afghanistan refugee’s were declined from Australian waters, coinciding with the ‘war on terror’s 9/11, initiating Howards 2008 election speech ‘the future of the Australia we know… protect our boarder… we decide who will come into this country and the circumstance in which they come”, we have seen a series of new laws which the Australian public interprets as a reflection of our countries threat. United by indirect and instructional fear projected by our governments concerning foreign affairs and foreign members of the world, the government has been able to hide from our sights the atrocities of asylum seekers through fear mongering tactics. However, Orner lifts up this vail and challenges Australia’s perception of Asylum seekers portrayed through the illegality and unimaginable circumstances they have endured to get here, portrayed by the media. Orner enforces that for too long Australians havent felt the right to ask questions because of the illegitimate and dismissal answer that only communicate our need for national security (stop the boats). Thus, Chasing Asylum “engages Australians to think more opening about the individual experiences of displace people seeking a safer life” – Orner, with the ambitious and confronting documentary bringing light the human impact of this global issue.
Process / Blue Hat – Holly’s work shows a lot of creativity and sophisticated editing techniques. Her opening shot, which gives the title of location, director’s reference and subject/project brief title was done very professionally as she had obviously taken into consideration the average time frame for credits. The titles were also a good editing tool as they confirmed location and the portraits ambition, helping the audience feel comfortable and comprehensive of the portraits points.
Facts / White Hat – Using the subject playing acoustic guitar for the sound track was a really beneficial idea because it matched the tone and subject matter of the piece whilst providing a personable and unique experience for the audience. The playing was very nice to listen to and definitely played a major part on the overall aesthetic of the piece.
Feelings / Red Hat – This piece made me feel personally quite good, and very comfortable with the subject. The subject talks about performing and the anxiety and nerves she had to deal with and overcome in the process of being a live gig performer. This is a topic that most people can equate to, making the topic and the portrait in general an very intimate experience which encompasses the idea of the PB3.
Creativity / Green Hat – Holly uses multiple camera angles whilst filming her subject which overall allows her film to take on a level of sophistication. By using diverse angles and editing them together in a way that compliments narrative the film adopts a three dimension feel, transcending the basic 2 dimensional linear approach seen commonly in amateur film making practice.
Benefits / Yellow Hat – The subject is an animated and confident speaker which affirms the audiences interest for the duration of the video. Whilst speaking she is moving around a lot, using hands and sitting positions to emphasise and communicate part of her answers. Ultimately these characteristics enhance her personality and relationship with the audience, as it communicates further personalities traits of the individuals transcending the restrictions of script.
Cautious / Black Hat – Next time a few more scenes of the subject could be beneficial and engaging. As the subject is creative and does perform maybe some clips that shows her on stage so we can get a further idea of what her artistic and creative nature is like. However, filming in studios and/or bars require legal documentation and large team cooperation which may have been daunting and too complex for a PB3 assessment. Either way though, a good idea for the future!
Isobell Roberts ‘Project Brief 3′
https://youtu.be/vo3sDyLrLQE
Red Hat/Feelings – I really felt a connection with Isobell’s subject which is a positive result considering PB3 was suppose to be an intimate portrait. The starting question of ‘do you ever stop learning’ was instantly engaging, whilst the subjects demeanor being calm and collected allowed for her quite difficult and complex discussion on human nature and our ability to ‘learn and grow’ to be comprehensive. The subject’s overall mature complexion was a positive attribute to the complex and open ended portrait discussion.
Blue Hat/ Process – I think the editing of this portrait demonstrates a level of experienced, which speaking to Isobell is consequent to her practice on Premiere during PB 1/2. Ultimately for Media, the skills we are focusing on, (especially in regards to industry experience), is the physical comprehension of Premiere and our manipulation of editing techniques, therefore the more practice meaning the advancement editing skills would be beneficial.
White Hat/ Facts – The general discussion of the portrait is interesting and entertaining. Isobell explores creative cinematic techniques, that extend the black and white tone of the discussion. This equates the films complex script with a complicated and creative inhibition. Thus, there is a good balance between straight narrative structure and visual entertainment.
Green Hat/ Creativity – Following the subject throughout the course of the day, even in intimidate situations such as driving to and from work, created a personable experience for the audience. This was a good creative move as it personified the subject within the video whilst allowing the audience to experience life very much ‘in her shoes’, which is the aim when creating a film about personalities.
Black Hat/Cautious – Next time maybe you more camera techniques that balance and hold the lens. Having the camera not on a tripod does make it difficult to watch within scenes and also doesn’t equate to the videos mature narrative/script.
Yellow hat/ Benefits – Overall a very interesting film and subject matter. Having the discussion on learning which is a universal theme allowed for great audience participation and engagement!
Ambiguity – Vanessa Wong
Facts / White Hat – The personal found footage in the portrait I thought really complimented the surrounding concept of identity in the piece. The last image of the subject as a child looking at the cameras reflection in the mirror created a double lens shot which was a fantastic way to conclude the piece. As the piece encompasses the affirmation of identity the childhood videos along with the ironic title ‘ambiguity’ reflects on the subject and the portraits ambition, positively challenging the audience to think deeper and perhaps more personally about the piece.
Creativity / Green Hat – The opening shots thats referenced international political situations and different approaches towards same-sex marriage and rights and responsibilities was a creative and powerful introduction to the portrait. By making the found footage as political message and reminder instantly humanises the subject, as the footage reminds us through first person experience the contextual controversy and debate surrounding the concept of the piece. It helps the audience sympathise and empathise with the subject as it reflects current issues through a personalised perspective.
Cautious / Black Hat – I think every film maker has to be cautious when it comes to portraying minority groups through a singular voice. It is hard when creating a film to be as objective as possible when monitoring and editing clips, especially when trying to balance the subjective attitude and perspective of a person’s idea of them self. I personally had no issues with this portrait and thought that it represented the ‘ambiguity’ of self recognition well, due to personal experiences that have made me have a neo-liberal philosophy and outlook on life.
Process / Blue Hat – In this instant I think camera framing and editing could be more sophisticated. However, this is an experimental project and considering the director has not made many films the footage was shot nicely, especially interviewing scenes.
Feelings – Red Hat – This film made me feel happy. I like Vanessa’s approach of talking about identity and the characteristics that surround the rights of an individual as such issues are universal and very much in the spotlight in this generation. I think film is largely about representation and representing an experience to the audience that they would not be able to experience through normal daily life. Thus, the portraits intimate setting and narrative allows for a personable experience which is the ultimate desire in a portrait piece.
Benefits / Yellow Hat – Overall i thought this was a really engaging and interesting piece.
I was very sceptical about how my PB3 project would be interpreted and marked. The assessment pushed my creativity and physical skills and passion as I was regulating an interview that I wanted to be interesting for the viewer whilst respecting my subject and his limits. My overall mark was a distinction which I was happy to receive as I made sure to refer back to PB2 feedback and work on it’s criticism. However, for PB4 I am going to try and extent my use and knowledge of premiere/illustrator to try and get a HD. As I have been getting a 70-75 average on my assessments so far I would like to get a 75+ plus to confirm my progression in the course and knowledge in media.
A podcast with Mark Russel and his understanding of Psy and the Rise of K-POP.
“With worldwide familiarity of Korean pop culture increasing through the viral exposure of Korean musician Psy’s hit record “Gangnam Style”, this episode Korean Kontext speaks to Mark James Russell, author of “Pop Goes to Korea”.
Having lived in South Korea for over 13 years, Russell is a regular writer on Korean culture and entertainment for the New York Times, Newsweek, and Hollywood Reporter among other titles. Having also spent several years developing and producing several documentaries about Korean pop culture and history, Korean Kontext thought he would make an ideal candidate for trying to understand South Korea’s increasing prominence in the worlds of film, music and art.
What does the rise of Psy tell us about the popularity of Korean music in the United States, how is the internet helping bubble Korean content creators to the top of the game, and what role can government play in catalyzing the cultural output of its people? Mark answers these questions and more in essential listening for anyone interested in Korea’s growing cultural prominence”
PB4 so far has been quite a challenging task to grasp. It’s symbiosis of the topics; media, institutions, and KPOP and their demonstration within a video and audio documentary essay, proves to be quite challenging as correct structure is needed to coherently prove … Continue reading →
For our PB4 video, we decided to consider personifying ‘Institution’ to create a more personalised and understanding approach. In the same way that Julia Roberts is personified, by personifying institution it allows us to communicate with the audience KPOP and MTV’s ambitions and what makes them an institution.
In this weeks lecture (Week 10), Brian discussed insitutions. First thing he stated was that institutions, as well as its term, is from sociology and it concerned with organising structures. Social, political, and economic elements form abstract relationships with one another that … Continue reading →
Where To Invade Next is a Michael Moore directed, written and produced documentary that demonstrates how American ideals have been adopted across Europe providing 21st century ideologies, and questioning why and how these contemporary ideas have been ignored within America’s values and conservatism. Introduced in a classic ‘Moorean’ style that displays America’s traditional power values of guns, presidency, democracy and geographical size the audience awaits a Bowling for Columbine sequel of Americans talking about America. However, Moore quickly relocates into areas of Europe discussing European approaches to work and holidays, education, health, sex and equality. Each country shocks Moore and what can be imagined his American audience as the foreigners laugh and scorn at America’s lack of judgement over work vs. play and general societal approaches. In the final moments of the one hour and fifty minute documentary, Moore leaves us with a patriotic conclusion that reminds us that these elements of European society that seem total contradictory to America’s capitalist and work to bone agenda are derived from American philosopher’s and ideals. Even though this can be seem as American prejudice and ‘need to pee on what belongs to me’-ship, it’s nice to see Moore approach the audience in a way that makes them feel proud of elements not usually broadcast to Americans. By engaging the audience through a demonstration of American advocacy Moore suggests to his national audience that America can and has been good, and that ***we**** need to readjust our way of thinking to absorb our better ideals. Even though I watched this as an Australian audience who didn’t necessarily get the giddy feeling of being the ‘bestest from the restest’, I though Moore’s approach was intelligent and whole hearted as he once again tries to reshape America’s ideology of them self.
Today in class we had to do a presentation about institutions (my upcoming PB4 topic). This was a good exercise as it expanded my knowledge and ideas about the topic because I had to discuss my knowledge about it so far. What we really focused on during the presentation was the idea surrounding institutions and why the appear. An institution appears only when there is resistance or societal push on a subject, and citizens need somewhere to unite and share values. Thus, by looking at MTV and KPOP we see how and why each culture has developed their institutions, adding culture value and knowledge in the international media spectrum.
