What I need to do

LO1, Task 2 - Analysis (improvements in bold/ different colour) FINISHED

LO2, Task 3: Audiences (age, gender, lifestyle, spending power)- FINSHED

LO3, Task 4- Distribution- FINISHED

LO4, Task 5- BBFC, ASA- NEED TO COMPLETE

LO4, Task 5 Legal and Ethical notes

-The impact/ affect of our film on the audience
- Legal issues the film has to address, for example copyright permissions for soundtrack and music
- Who certifies films- BBFC  (British Board of film classification) and ASA (Advertising Standards Authority)


This task is worth a Merit

Learning outcomes
To apply knowledge of audience theories (active/ passive to your film)
To apply basic knowledge of representation to your film
To apply "legal" and "ethical" analysis to your film
To apply relevant regulatory bodies to your film and film marketing (BBFC/ASA)

a) The products impact and effect on the audience

Active audience or a passive audience member

Passive audience-
1. Hypodermic syring model (Theodore Adorno, 1930's)- media has negative impact. Mass audience believe everything they see/hear- the media inject a passive audience with negative messages and value.e. they copy what they see. For example
Issues about violence- atogonist Cal slapping Rose
Issues about sexual content
Issue about representation- How women and lower class citizens
Positive impact/role models

Active audience
They question what they see, doesn't copy what they see in media products
2. Gauntlett- we are able to filter and adapt to content in media


b) relevant issues of representation

Stereotypes represented in my film. All representations are mediated (Hall, 1980)
Stereotypes / counter type (Perkins, 1979). Not all stereotypes are negative
Representation of women- are they objectified (Mulvey 1975). Representation of men (Earp and Katz, 1999)- "equation of masculinity with pathological control and violence".
Representation of gay people (Butler, 1993)- are they stereotypical.

1. Women- Mulvey 1975
2. Men- (Earp and Katz, 1999) Equation of masculinity with pathological control and violence 
3. Alvarado (1987)- ethnicity "exotic, dangerous, humorous, pitied'. 

c) relevant legal and/or ethical issues
d) role of relevant regulatory bodies


Legal and ethical

Legal- Copyright infringement- main worry in film industry illegal downloading
use if content (soundtrack) without permission from creator
consequence of this is being fined/sued
Ethical- offensive material? Sensationalism? Censorship- has the film been censored?
racism, representation of people, language, drug use, sexual reference,
age, religious
sensationalism - graphic, dramatic
Censored- re-edit, taken out, removed due to content

LO4, Task 5: Legal, ethical and regulatory issues

Introduction 

Hello guys I'm back for my last video on Ethical Legal and Regulatory issues. In this video we will be learning about what 20th Century Fox will have had to check and get permission for in the making of Titanic. We are also be looking at two big companies BBFC and ASA, but we shall come to that later.

Audience Effects

Theodore Adorno 1930 came up with the theory of Hypodermic syringe, yes I know big word. This basically means how the media inject negative values and messages into audiences mind that could influence them to copy actions that have been involved in the film. This can include violence, sexual content, representation, positive impacts/role models. A passive audience links to Theodore Adorno 1930 theory of Hypodermic syringe, as a passive audience is said to be influenced by the medias negative messages from their products. Where as a active audience is the opposite of a passive audience. A active audience, links to Gauntlett 2000 of where the audience doesn't copy what they see in the media product, the question it instead. Gauntlett said we are able to filter and adapt to content to content in media, rather than be influenced by it. Titanic has a negative impact on the audience in the scene where the antagonist Cal slaps Rose for being unfaithful towards him; this is what's detonated in the scene, due to the fact he is a male in a higher class, which links to the theory of binary opposition men vs women. This might influence men to become controlling towards there wives/girlfriends as they feel the should be controlling and dominant over women, having the mind set to be abusive towards them as shown in the film. Another example of negative impact in Titanic is  sexual content. Jack and Rose are having sexual intercourse; however they are tress passing in some ones car on the ship. How this influences others is it can be connoted as quite adventurous making people want to experiment sex in different places that may be tress passing. Titanic has a positive impact on the audience as it signifies how different social classes such a lower and higher doesn't stop people falling in love with each other, it actually creates a stronger connection between the two. It links to representation of class and stereotypes of how  people should be with people in the same social class, especially in the era Titanic was set in. How Rose and Jack fight for each other despite the verbal abuse they get from others creates a positive impact on the audience. Another positive impact on Titanic is Jack as he is considered the role model as he is the protagonist. Carl Rodgers 1980 Jack is the hero of Titanic as he teaches Rose how to have fun in life and to get out the of the social class, which she is stuck in. 

Representation 

Representation means how people are classified into different categories. Stuart Hall 1980 spoke about 'Mediation' where stereotypes are set upon purpose. Tessa Perkins 1979 spoke about stereotypes and countertypes. Stereotypes were how people are classified, for example teenagers are rebels, rude and disrespectful, where as countertypes are the opposite to stereotypes. A countertype challenges stereotypes, for example a teenager who works hard, well mannered and respectful to others. A negative stereotype in Titanic is a typical higher class male, as they were seen as the powerful and dominant sex and a predator. In the film Cal the antagonist is a perfect example of stereotypes for men as his character is violent, rude, powerful and masculine. He links with Earp and Katz 1999 theory of representation of men as he is very controlling over Rose as he feels more dominant over her and uses her as a possession, as well as being violent towards her. Titanic doesn't have many positive stereotypes due to the fact the time Titanic was set in, society was very discriminated and stereotypical so therefore the film Titanic would have needed to follow this in order to make the narrative realistic. There is in a way a countertype in Titanic, which is the protagonist Jack. As Jack is in a lower social class then Cal he should stereotypically be intimidated by him and obey his order when he is told to stay away from Rose. However in Titanic Jack is very careless with his actions and disobeys Cal's orders and Rose and Jack fall in love with each throughout spending time with each other. This challenges stereotypes as we see that Jack is not threatened by higher class citizen creating a whole new representation of him. Another countertype is when Rose talks back to Cal, as in the ear Titanic was set in, this was seen forbidden. An example of how stereotyping has been included in the film Titanic is when Cal assaults Rose, the reason this is an example of a stereotype is because the man is in control and has been portrayed to be dominant over Rose due to her sex.

Legal and Ethical Issues

 Copyright infringement is the use of content in a film, such as soundtrack and brands. Titanic's sound track "My heart will go on" sung by  artist Celine Dion.; It was recorded on May 22nd, 1997 at Wallyworld, The Hit Factory and was released on December 8th 1997. It was composed by James Horner, lyrics were written by Will Jennings, produced by Walter Afranasieff and Simon Franglen and the record label company is Columbia and Epic. 20th Century Fox would've contacted Columbia and Epic for permission for this soundtrack, which would have cost a lot of money and a reference is added on the credits of Titanic. The soundtrack was very popular as it appeals to the masses due to being a love song, also it is appropriate for 12 years old. Ethical issues involved in Titanic is sex reference and strong language, which is viewed as offensive material. A denotation of sexual content in the film is where Jack and Rose have sexual intercourse in a car on the ship. This can come across offensive as BBFC age certification gave the film Titanic a 12 due to nudity, but can be seen as inappropriate for a younger audience as they may not understand the content in it; however the sexual content isn't explicit it gives us a suggestion that a sex scene is in the process. Strong language is carried throughout Titanic, which can be offensive to age groups, but as well as religions as the can see this as sinful. An example from my film of profanity is the scene where Rose used a hand gesture and flips Cal bodyguard after chasing them, it signifies how Jack has changed her from a posh well mannered woman to a laid back fun person. The reason why this is appropriate to the certified age group is because this is the only offensive gesture used in the film.  

BBFC

 

BBFC are British Board of film certification. The age rating they certified Titanic is 12, due to subtle sexual content and violence and suitable language that is involved in the film. The age rating for Titanic trailer first is a PG film as it sexual reference, violence and strong language is taken out of the trailer as it more promoted the genre of romance in the film The rating to watch the actual film is a  12 and is currently a 12 certified film. It is more appropriate and suitable for a 12 year old as they will be able to understand the content and story line more efficiently, making the film more enjoyable. The age rating for Titanic is the same in the UK and USA; however the USA is usually higher with other films as parents have a main role in the age ratings. The film does well to keep in with the BBFC guidelines that they set for them, as Titanic is a 12 this means the film must have discreet and brief sex content, which Titanic has as it suggest that Rose and Jack have had sexual intercourse but it doesn't actually show this. Violence is allowed in a 12; however it must not be detailed, which it isn't it Titanic as we only see Cal slap Rose and Cal trying to shoot Rose and Jack. In terms of behaviour and drugs, Titanic stays within the guidelines for a 12 as there is only some bad language throughout the film and there isn't any misuse of drugs that may offended they age range.

ASA

ASA are advertising codes they lay down rules for advertisers, agencies and media owners to follow. They give out basic rules for advertising.

This first Poster released for Titanic was very misleading, as it connoted hard core action genre, which the film isn't about. It is showed to be a documentary of the history behind the sinking of Titanic, filled with action and horror; however the film is obviously a romance adventure genre and the current poster connotes and reinforce these genres more efficiently, stopping the misleading of the narrative of the film, Titanic.

OLD POSTER                                                                                        NEW POSTER

The typography on this poster is very bulky,                        
which connotes the genre of an action film, as
well as documentary. The colour scheme is very
hard and bold to appeal to a male audience. From
this poster we can see that it misleading the audience
as it doesn't reinforce the genre of love.

Whereas on this poster the actors body language connotes love and connection, which connotes love, making it appeal to a female audience. This is the current poster for the film Titanic as it isn't misleading advertisement of the film.

LO3, Task 3: Distribution and Advertising

Introduction 

Hey guys its me again and I'm here with lesson 4 Distribution channels. I will be talking to you about how the film Titanic was promoted, advertised and distributed by 20th Century Fox. We have previously discussed that 20th Century Fox is a conglomerate, which means a huge company made up of smaller/other companies called subsidiaries, just in case you forgot!  20th Century Fox use vertical integration as they are a successful conglomerate so there subsidisers help distribute their media products for them. 

                      

Distribution 

The term distribution means getting products, in this case the film Titanic, to an audience in order to make profit. 20th Century Fox produced Titanic and as they are a conglomerate they use vertical integration, which means the ability to control the distribution and exchange for a media product through their subsidiaries. As the target audience for Titanic is mass/international it was distributed to many cinemas worldwide when it was first advertised by 20th Century Fox. Distribution for Titanic has been impacted by technological convergence; this key word means the state of the coming together of things to create one thing, multifunctional product. For example you can watch the film Titanic on an iPad as you can illegally download it (Ahdaf); however you can also use an iPad as a camera, microphone and music player. You can also download the film Titanic through the Apple store onto your device. This is the advantage of technological convergence as it means you don't need to by other devices, which makes it cheaper. The effect of convergence is web 2.0 as we can interact with people worldwide, which makes it easier. Titanic has also been distributed through Sky streamline box, Now TV, which you can find in the genre section of romance or simply just search for it in the tab box. Now TV is a form of converged technology as it acts as a streamline for films but you can also access the internet through it via YouTube and Facebook. As Sky and 20^th Century Fox are both subsidiaries of 21^st Century Fox it will have made it cheaper to put Titanic on Sky’s Now TV due to the integration. Another way Titanic has been distributed is by DVD and Blu-ray which you can play on a DVD player, or blue-Ray can be played on PlayStation 3, 4 and Xbox 360. This helps get the film to a mass audience. Titanic budget was estimated $200 million and made a profit of $1.84 billion in terms of revenue; however then released a 3D Titanic on the 4^th April 2012 which earn an additional $343.6 million which push the films worldwide total to $2.18 billion. Cinemas worldwide made a profit of $376.4 in ticket sales. The film Titanic got over 10 million views on YouTube for the official film, which shows us that distribution and marketing was successful.

Advertising 

Advertising and promoting a film is ways in which you make it appeal to your target audience, before its release date. Ways in which a film can be advertise is on adverts, including adverts advertised in cinemas. This way, whilst watching TV film trailers are shown so that you don't miss them. A good way cinemas promote new film is depending on the genre of film you are about to watch in the cinema, for example if you are at the cinema about to watch a romance new films that fall into that specific genre will be advertised on that screen as it is advertised to a specific target audience, helping it to get views. As Titanic was released before 2011 when promoted in cinemas it will have been processed by a film reel which is an example of analogue media which is old media. Titanic will have been promoted in all most all cinemas worldwide as it’s targeted at an international audience. Ticket sales in cinemas worldwide collected $376.4 million in terms of revenue. Another example of how Titanic advertised the film was by posters, which is another example of old media. Here is an image of the first poster they created for the film Titanic. The whole image including typography and colour scheme is very masculine and connotes action and danger, which appeals to a male audience; however this isn’t a reinforcing the genre and storyline of Titanic as it is a romance film. Whereas the current poster for Titanic is well more suited for the actual film as we see the two main holding each other with passion and affection, as well the front of the ship is featured where Jack and Rose fall in love to appeal to a female audience. The billboards/ posters will have been distributed in huge cities such as New York, London and Paris, as well in shopping centres and buses so that a mass audience will be attracted and appealed by it; this helps to promote the film. As 20^th century fox is a subsidiary of 21^st Century Fox they both have lots of subsidiaries which would have helped distribute the film Titanic to a mass audience which is an example of cross media ownership. A positive review made on Titanic is by Roger Elbert giving titanic a star rating of 4 out of 5. This helps to advertise the film Titanic as the audience are seeing through web 2.0 positive and high rating of the film by other people making it appeal to others. Web 2.0 also helps to advertise on more platforms gaining the film Titanic a wider audience, as it is now on YouTube, which is another way to watch films. 

 

So I hope that has helped you learn in depth about how successful the distribution and marketing of Titanic was. Join me in my next lesson of Legal and Ethical issues of the making of Titanic.

LO2, Task 3 Theory

Laura Mulvey (1975)- male gaze sex objects

John Berger (1972) "men act, women appear"

Claude Levi Strauss (1958) "binary opposition"- gender

Todorov- narrative stage the example appears in

Carl Rogers (1980) Ideal self/ ideal partner

Richard Dyes (1972) "star personae"- protagonist, how successful the actors are. Personality types
type cast-

Tutor feedback for LO1, Task 2

Demographic summary

NRS stands for National Readership Survey

Lifestyle is what you do with your life such as, hobbies and employment.

Spending power is the disposable income that allows people to spend money on products.

LO2, Task 3: Audience

Lauren Baxter

Introduction

Hello everyone, it's Lauren again from Education wise on lesson three, which is all about target audience. Ien Ang and John Hartley discussed how in pre-production there should be an imagery entity must be created, so that they can see what the audience interests and lifestyle are to make their film appealing to their audience. This is important to producers as it gives them an idea of what their target audience interest are so that they can work with them within the film. The target audience for Titanic is mainly females as it links to Kate Domaille's theory of narrative type- Romeo and Juliet.

Gender

An example from Titanic that is appealing to a female audience is where Jack and Rose fall in love. The denotations of this scene is where Jack takes Rose to a lower class party, filled with alcohol, upbeat jazzy music and dancing. They first had a fancy meal with Roses upper class family, which really communicates the difference between the two classes. This links to Claude Levi theory of binary opposition, upper class vs lower class. The reason why it appeals to a female audience is because its the moment where Jack and Rose start to fall in love with each other, which will make the audience fall in love with their relationship. Titanic is a perfect example for Richard Dyer (1972) theory of "Star persona" as Leonardo DiCaprio who plays Jack the protagonist, personality is love films and this particular scene connotes love and passion. He is stereotyped to be a beautiful man with blonde and blue eyes to make the audience fall in love with him. Another example in the film Titanic that signifies that its' target audience is female is where Jack is seen/known as being the hero for saving Rose. The denotations of this scene is where Rose is wanting to kill herself due to the society she lives in, she steps over the railings on the ship leaning over to jump off. Fortunately Jack is there and persuades her to come back over the railing; however she trips and is dangling over the ship with Jack trying to pull her up. This connotes fear, trust and panic. The famous line is said in this scene "I wont let go", which is foreshadowed throughout the film. This is appealing to a female audience as it shows how Jack is a hero, linking to carl Rogers theory (1980) of ideal partners as the love connoted by Jack makes him attractive. This influences women who want to be saved by a loved one. At the disequilibrium part in Titanic there is a scene where a male audience would be intrigued is where the genre action becomes more involved. The denotation of this scene is where Carl the antagonist tries to kill Rose and Jack, out of jealousy. A male audience would be appealed by this as it is full of action and movement creating adrenalin and spectacle to the film. Another part of Titanic where a male audience would be intrigued by is where the ship crashes an Ice burg and starts to sink. This is appealing to males as it makes them question the technical side of it such as "How did they make the crash look so realistic?". It is also filled with action as the "unsinkable" ship is sinking into the Atlantic sea, which connotes fear, panic and distress.

  

Age 

Titanic is filled with love and romance, which links to the genre of the film. The denotations of a love scene is where Jack takes Rose to the end of ships and holds here close where she is "On top of the world", love, companionship and comfort. This links to Carl Rodgers theory (1980) of ideal partners as we see Jack as this amazing person who a audience would see themselves with. This is relatable to age grouping in Titanic of 18 as Jack and Rose are around this age and it is a suitable age to fall in love with someone. There is also violence and gore involved in Titanic, for example where the antagonist Carl slaps Rose for being a bad finance as she has been seeing jack. This links to theory of binary opposition men vs women as Carl feels like he has more power and dominance over Rose due to the fact he's a man. This creates spectacle to the film which 18 years olds will be intrigued by. Another example of why Titanic is targeted at 18 year olds is sex and nudity throughout the film. The denotations of this is where Jack draws Rose naked, she lies on the couch where you can see her breast. The connotations of this scene is love, natural and passion. This is suitable to a 18 year old as they may relate it to their personal love life. Profanity is used in Titanic, Rose uses a hand gesture through the elevator window to a man who is chasing her and Jack around the ship, this is what is denoted in this scene. The reason why it is appropriate for a 18 year old is that under 18s could be influenced to do these actions to people, where as a 18 year old are more mature about the situations. A final example on why Titanic is targeted to 18 year olds is due to the fact it is educational to the audience, as well it will also be educational to a younger audience too. However an 18 and over will understand the context and the history behind Titanic as it is set in 1912. They will be able to see why there is binary opposition involved such as men vs women and higher class vs lower class, as the time Titanic happened there was social issues making the film more understandable. 

                                

  Lifestyle 

The lifestyles I have chosen are Settled Suburban's, Nest Builders and Urban Venture. NRS stands for National Readership Survey, what they do is look into lifestyle and spending power demographics and place certain people in categories. The lifestyle categories I have chosen for Titanic is Settled Suburban's. I have chosen this because of the history behind Titanic which is intriguing to a older audience (30-40), also for women the love between Jack and Rose is very intense and interesting making it appealing to them. An example of the genre of romance in Titanic is the sex scene between Jack and Rose where they make love. Hobbies including dinning would reflect a Settled Suburban audience as this would be a social hobby they would do frequently, which is included in Titanic. Another hobby a Settled Suburban audience does that is reinforced in the film is travelling, as the age group will be able to afford grand relaxing holidays which at first is connoted through the film. Urban Ventures will also be appealed by Titanic, as according to Richard Dyer (1972) theory of "Star persona" Leonardo Dicaprio personality is heart throb, he is stereotypically a handsome man with blonde hair and blue eyes, which will intrigue a younger audience. Also travelling is a huge part of a Urban Ventures lifestyle as a majority of teenagers dream to travel and adventure is involved in the film Titanic. For a Urban Venture it links to Denis McQuail (1972) theory of escapism, as they get away from the real world, as teenagers face pressure in this modern world for example exams, being stereotyped and judged, so watching this film allows them to break away from it. Hobbies that are connoted though Titanic that would reflect on a Urban Venture audience is Jacks hobby of art, as this audience will be in education having the ability to study art, creating a hobby. Titanic would also intrigue Nest Builders as there is action involved in the film for example Cal (antagonist) tries to kill Jack out of jealousy as well the Titanic ship is sinking which involves a lot of special effects and technology interesting Nest Builders. Nest builders relate to demanding lifestyle such as starting families, careers and new homes. As nest builders will be very busy, due to the fact they will be starting new careers and families, watching Titanic also gives them escapism as they can relax whilst watching the film; However it also links to another part of Denis McQuail theory of building relationship as the action used in Titanic creates spectacle making a talking point between the nest builders.  

Spending Power

 Titanic falls in the National Readership survey social grade of spending power ABC1.CGI is used in Titanic to create the illusion and reality of the ship sinking in the Atlantic ocean. For example the denotations of this scene is where the Titanic has hit the ice burg and is breaking in half. This links to Denis McQuail theory of building relationships as this certain part of Titanic creates talking parts as it is spectacle allowing people to interact with each other. As CGI is used it makes the film more expensive and higher quality, linking to he social grade of spending power is ABC1, can afford a variety of merchandises such as blue rays and DVD's, as well as watching new films in the Cinemas. As well my audience would be able to go on holidays such as cruises like Titanic, and travelling as they have a lot of disposable cash to spend it on luxuries stuff. As Titanic is based on a true story and has a historical background, my audience will be able to afford going to museums learning in depth more about the history of Titanic. Linking to a cast member Roses mother she is very interested in her appearance such as make up, clothing and jewellery, for a women as well as a man due to the highly paid jobs they have the high income they earn will allow them to buy these merchandises linking them with characters within the film. Fine dining is used in the film for the higher class citizens, which will be relatable to some people in the audience as their disposable cash will allow them to eat in fancy restaurants with expensive drinks and food.

I know that was a lot to take in, but its all very interesting and informative! Join me in my next video where I will be talking about the Distribution and Marketing of Titanic. See you soon.