FINAL EXAMINATION PART 2 - Militainment Inc.

THESIS: All forms of media portray war as a device for our entertainment, softening the amount of death and destruction, in order to captivate audiences and increase the average US citizens desire for consumption.

5 FACTS:

1.The footage of Saddam’s statue being pulled down was staged by the US to make it look as though they had little involvement, where in fact it took a US tank off screen to get the statue to the ground.

2.The news simulates war missions for public consumption

3.Weapons are often depicted as beautiful.

4.The media (president included) often associates Iraq with Al Queda, although, in reality, this is a serious contradiction.

5.The bombings in Baghdad were described by the media as a “light show.”

TRUINE BRAIN:

1.The government uses music as a reqcuitment tool. This is dangerous because music most directly affects our emotional limbic brain, and our emotions have very persuasive powers.

2.Our neocortex absorbs the way in which news casters describe the war in poetic, ambiguous terms that play a role in de-humanizing the tragedy of war.

3.Our reptilian brain is captivated by the “light show” that use very specific camera angles, so the public doesn’t witness the true destruction of the bombs.

EIGHT TRENDS:

1.Epistemological shift: With the ability to capture images of war, instead of just a narration of events, people have more opportunity to see first hand accounts of the events of war, however it is also another device fore media to manipulate.

2.Aesthetic shift: The way in which war is portrayed in America is a perfect example of the clear blurring of the line between news and entertainment. War “news” has become a way for news channels to gain mass viewership by exploiting war, and making it an entertainment event.

3.Cultural shift: it has become a normalcy in American culture to accept entertainment as news, however this closes our ability to see the human lives lost when bombs fall.

SEVEN PRINCIPLES:

1.How does the media use the viewers perception of reality to de-humanize war? The media doesn’t show the destruction done by western bombs, just the pretty lights they make when they go off. They also made sure that the US tank was not in the shot of Saddam’s statue coming down.

2.What emotions does the way in which media portrays war provoke in viewers? American viewers don’t feel the agony of war because during the Iraq war coverage has only given numbers of those American soldiers dead and not those Iraqis that have died. The true numbers would really “shock and awe” them…

3.Did the documentary effectively use pacing? I felt that yes for the most part, but when taking notes I found it impossible to record all the necessary information. In the way of viewing pleasure, well done.

4.How did ownership affect the meida’s portrayal of war? With the media and the government forming a sort of alliance in reporting the war gave the war the look of an army recruitment add. The government was able to show off all kinds of weaponry and army scenarios that may appeal to the army aged citizen.

PERSUATION TECHNIQUES:

1.Group dynamics- using “we” instead of ”the military”

2.Diversion- the media diverts our attention from mass deaths and directs it towards
pretty lights

3.Name calling- Associating Iraq with Al Queda.

4.Card Stacking- he often took short clips of speeches as examples but he may have been leaving other disproving parts out.

5.Rhetorical Questions: the video asks “don’t you want the real truth?”

6.Fear/Defensive nationalism- Hussein was compared to Hitler to Beef up the nations support against Hussein

YOU’RE THE BOMB DR. DUB, HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

Peace and love always,
Stephen Garner

1. What was the most difficult moment in making this video?

The editing. After a couple attempts at iMovie by Camille, our group decided to let another group members friend guide us while we (Sam did most of the editing portion) used Final Cut Pro to finish the edit.

2. Other than finishing it, what was the most rewarding moment in making this video?

For me it was while filming in the at the Maple & So Willard intersection. I had this one panning shot that felt like it flowed really well, it just felt like a really good shot and that gave me some confidence going into the rest of the project.

3. Discuss 3 specific lessons you learned about film production and/or "group process" in making this video.

1) When everyone participates and works together it's easier to get done.

2) Every member has their own role and by using everyone's input we made a better video than if there was no group support.

3) Sometimes it can be difficult to find time to meet but it can be made easy by an involved group.

4. Discuss 3 specific things you learned about Champlain College and/or the "Sustain Champlain" project that you did not know before completing this project.

1) Rich Long had some very good ideas about trying to use bio-diesel in Champlain vehicles.

2) Car Share is a great way to cut down on the amount of vehicles in circulation around Champlain campus.

3) LocalMotion is a biking program that supports cyclists trying to safely navigate Burlington and the Champlain campus.

iPad Promotional Video - Media Meditation #4

INTRODUCTION:

Apple’s iPad was recently released early this month. Upon returning from a trip to MD, I came back to school to find that my roommate went to the Apple store on the release date and bought him self the most basic model for just $499. Now, I can see the appeal, and apple does a damn good job of convincing the people paying attention that there newest device truly is a valuable piece of equipment. After watching the 8 minute promotional video, I’ve concluded that the iPad may actually be as kick ass as Apple is billing it to be.



TRIUNE BRAIN:

Neocortex: they lead off the video with an interesting quote, "When something exceeds your ability to understand how it works, it sort of becomes magical. And that's what the iPad is." At first what I took this to mean was, “This is a very complicated piece of technology.” Then I thought about it further and concluded that the statement really means nothing at all. They want this statement to hit you in the limbic brain, because at first glance it’s a convince bit of poetry that helps the buyer in vision the magnitude of how powerful the machine must be, and must the people who built it be. But in the end, the statement just says, because you can’t possibly understand how this thing works, it must be “magical.” Why on earth would Apple start a promo add with a statement as meaningless as this? I’m perturbed.

MEDIA CONVERGANCE:

I watched the promotional add on YouTube, which remains a library of promotional videos and other advertisements.
Engadget.com (a technology/gadgets blog) posted about the iPad announcement and from there the info wound up in my RRS reader, Newsfire.

EIGHT SHIFTS:

Technological shift- This is Apples most recent technological development.

Aesthetic shift- the iPad brings together hundreds of computing applications to run smoothly in one compact device.

SEVEN PRINCIPLES:

Individual meaning- the promoters made sure to include descriptions of many different uses of the iPad. From browsing the web to editing video with professional programs, the iPad is fully capable.

PERSUATION TOOLS:

Hyperbole- “iPad is the best way to browse the web.” These exaggerations continue throughout the promo.

Repetition- they repeat throughout the video that they’re product is the “best web browser,” and it provides, “The best way to view your photos.” Claiming you’re the best at something is almost always an exaggeration.

Plain folks- I’m not sure if this is classified as a “plain folks” persuasion technique, but I’m sure this statement would appeal to most plain folks. During the video, a promoter says, “I don’t have to change myself to fit the product, it fits me.” People often don’t want to have to relearn how to use basic computing applications when they update their hardware, this statement appeals to those people.

THESIS:

The iPad is a very powerful and complicated computing device that has the ability to appeal to a vast percentage of consumers. But don’t fall for the advertisements, go to the store and find out for yourself what use the iPad may be to you.

Valley’s of Neptune By Jimi Hendrix- Media Meditation #3

INTRODUCTION:

This past March, the production team of Jimi Hendrix released an album of previously unreleased recordings. After many years of mixing old recording sessions, Hendrix’s production team believes they have created an album that, although Jimi never considered the recordings finished, captures the essence of Jimi Hendrix through these brand new tracks. Some of the songs are remake’s, such as “Red House “or “Stone Free,” but even the remade tracks have original licks, drums, rhythm, bass, and even some vocals. And that’s not to mention the awesomeness of new tracks like the featured “Valleys of Neptune,” which Jimi nails. With this release came the digitally re-mastered versions of several other Jimi Albums including, “Axis: Bold as Love” and “Are You Experienced?” These remakes are a fantastic display of dedication to Jimi’s music, and though he died young we are able to keep his music alive and interesting through Jimi’s short, but extreme, dedication to music, and, of course, few technology innovations.



TRUINE BRAIN:

Music Affects the Limbic brain- Jimi combines his melodic ability with the most origional guitaring of it’s kinds. By creating completely unique sounds Jimi’s has the profound ability to serve as one of the most powerfully intoxicating emotional manipulators, Only $11.99 at your local CD store

MEDIA CONVERGENCE:

The studio’s ability to compile Jimi’s old recordings and re-introduce them to our ears with much better sound quality, shows how the development that the music industry as undergone since the years of Jimi’s studio sessions. Their ability to bring to life 40 year old recordings, and compile them into coherent tracks is astounding.



EIGHT SHIFTS:

Technological Shift - These newly released albums are truly the best possible example of a Technological shift. Without the shift from analog to digital the quality of sound and the opportunity to re-invent these classic tracks, the extraordinary listening experience that this collection holds would be non-existent.

Economic Shift - This also may fall under the category of economic shift. I note this because the profits from these mixes are certainly not going into the hand of Jimi Hendrix. It would be interesting to examine where the profits are in fact going, but it can be assumed that cooperation is of primary benefit.

SEVEN BASIC PRICIPLES:

Production Techniques- The use of Digital Re-mastering made the release of these enhanced CDs possible.

Emotional Transfer/ Individual Meaning- Every person has his or her own individual interpretation of music, usually those interpretation transfer some kind of emotion to the listener.

PERSUASION TOOLS:

Nostalgia- Better quality tracks that came out 40 years ago, these wouldn’t sell a single copy without the concept of nostalgia.

Timing: By releasing these albums now the anticipation for something new from the Jimi Hendrix legacy was at its peak.

THESIS: These digital re-masters give us the ability to experience Jimi in a whole new way, even 40 years after his death. Thanks to technology must be paid for these treasures.

Jimi Hendrix Promo - Valleys Of Neptun from Sony Music Germany | Catalog & C on Vimeo.

Mid Term!

1) I've learned hoe to use RSS feeds to quickly acquire information that interests me. I have also greatly improved at analyzing media in a way that is more productive, through using the power tools.

2)
a)I gather more info if i note take while reading.
b)I can convey information in concise yet complete terms.
c)I can contribute to class conversation by using my knowledge of media.

3)I would spend more time with the power tools.

4) require more work directly with the power tools, like required assessments of movies so we can know were on the right track in preparing for the exam.

5)The course blog keeps me on top of my assignments as well as providing an interesting homework medium. My personal blog gives me the freedom to talk about any media that interests me as well as giving us a fun way to learn the power tools.

Films:

Tune in Tomorrow: An interesting film about a local radio station. engaging, and applicable to the course.

Reel Bad Arabs: Very easy to apply the power tools to. very good media example. Good Opinions backed up by evidence in Hollywood's depictions.

The Persuaders: The persuasive tools were very applicable to this film. it's break down of how advertisers get our attention is captivating.

SOTU: Great assignment, maybe require more with this because I really feel that it's one of the most important speeches of the year. Everyone should be aware of what the countries leader is up to, as well the state of said country.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog! Mdia Meditation #2

INTRODUCTION:

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog was written by a collaboration of the Whedon brothers (all of whom write, direct, and or compose, together they sing the “Bad Horse Chorus”) and Maurissa Tancharoen (a composer). They teamed up during the WGA writer’s strike as a way of showing the general public as well as the kings of television that they had an alternative to producing their media without the help of major TV corporations, and oh boy did they succeed! This epic three part story is about a aspiring super villain, his nemesis Captain Hammer, and their mutual love interest Penny. Truly a must see by Neil Patrick Harris fans (Dr. Horrible), and music lovers alike.



THE TRUINE BRAIN:

This piece of entertainment most directly affect the Limbic system, from numerous jokes executed perfectly by Neil Patrick Harris to the sadness of a lover searching for meaning losing the love of his life due to his own evil invention.

MEDIA CONVERGENCE:

The episodes first came out once every 2 days over a weeklong period through the Dr. Horrible website. Then it was released on iTunes for a nominal fee (which enabled the producers to pay the cast and crew). Now the episodes can be viewed on YouTube, and for a time it was on Hulu, although I’m not sure it’s still available through that source.

I used Google to find more information about how the project came into existence and
for information about the actors.

EIGHT SHIFTS:

Epistemological Shift: Because of a lack of cooperation between the projects team and the TV execs, the episodes were broadcast over the internet. The soundtrack is now available on iTunes as well as the full video.

Technological Shift: TV to Internet broadcast.

Economic Shift: Without the support of the economically powerful, the project was forced to find less expensive alternatives to getting out their media.



SEVEN BASIC PRINCIPLES:

Production Techniques: the director had a very limited budget to work with, but even so he was able to create an extraordinary film by using actors who didn’t require promised compensation.

Ownership: For this project a lack of ownership was very beneficial. Without the TV execs breathing over the shoulders of the production team they had more freedom of expression.

PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES:

Humor: The piece is for entertainment purposes, it’s genre is humor.

Testimonial: Neil Patrick Harris is a famous face of television who did this project without pay, and his appearance brought many (including myself) to the view the musical tragicomedy short film.

This piece of entertainment really doesn’t have persuasive purposes, however its success may have persuaded some TV execs to be more forgiving with their writers.

THESIS: Excessive funding and advertising isn’t necessary to create a quality piece of entertainment.

We Are The World 25 for Haiti. Media Meditation #1

I saw this for the first time during the opening ceremony for the 2010 Winter Olympics. This “charity single” is for the benefit of Haiti. In 1985 the original song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in order to raise funds and awareness about the famine in Ethiopia. This remake includes 85 musicians and a couple Oscar winners (Jeff Bridges appears around 5:31 into the clip.)

THE TRIUNE BRAIN:

The reptilian brain is stimulated by the music which is moving in an of itself, but also the images of Haitians reconstructing their country together with the rest of the worlds help.

Also the Neocortex observes the video and understands the importance of the difficulties the Haitians are dealing with. Through this my brain decides what options I have when it comes to doing my part.

MEDIA CONVERGENCE:

I used youtube in order to relocate the clip, which wasn’t very difficult seeing as how the clip has nearly 17.5 million hits since it’s release (and that’s not including the higher quality version.)

EIGHT SHIFTS:

Epistemological shift: This is a song that doesn’t NEED a video but the images that the visual aid projects helps not only engage the audience but also gives them further understanding of the message.

Technological shift: Originally this song was aired on TV but thanks to sites like “youtube” those who missed first airing could easily track the song down. It’s also available through your TV providers “On Demand” feature.

SEVEN PRINCIPLES:

Production Techniques: The video was directed by academy award winning director Paul
Haggis (Million Dollar Baby, Crash.) Which seems a little overkill but the direction is stellar.

Value Message: the clear message here is that the Haitians need the world’s help, so help by donating to the charity.

Emotional Transfer: The video makes the viewer feel sympathetic by making it clear that the Haitians are in a very difficult situation that they need help to cope with.

PERSUASUVE TECHNIQUES:

Symbol: silhouette face with black and red background.



Humor: Jamie Foxx lightens the mood by doing a funny impersonation during part of his contribution.

Testimonial: This film only consists of major recording artists that might appeal to the general public. This way it is easy to please just about every listener.

Group Dynamics: “We are the world” the whole song is about unity and working together for a mutual cause.

THESIS: This video is displaying the need for support of Haitians suffering from the earthquake. They are also suggesting a donation.

Here's the origional version for your viewing pleasure: