There Are Many Ways Technology Is Affecting The Pro
There Are Many Ways In Which Technology Is Affecting The Production D
There are many ways in which technology is affecting the production, distribution, and appreciation of films. According to the first letter of your last name, respond to your designated topic. Topic B (Last names beginning with N through Z) Consider how the Internet has changed the way we access, evaluate, and discuss films. Choose a film that gained notoriety due to the Internet and discuss how social media and other instant modes of communication have changed the ways in which we approach, appreciate, and consume films. What do these changes imply about the future of film distribution and audience participation in the film’s lifespan?
Indicate Topic A or Topic B in the “Subject” of your post. Your initial post should be at least 300 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Goodykoontz, B., & Jacobs, C. P. (2014). Film: From watching to seeing (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. This text is a Constellation™ course digital materials (CDM) title. Grant, B. K. (Ed.). (2012). Film genre reader IV [Electronic version]. Retrieved from the eBrary database.
Paper For Above instruction
The advent of the Internet has fundamentally transformed the landscape of film consumption, significantly affecting how audiences access, evaluate, and discuss movies. Specifically, social media and instant communication platforms have revolutionized audience engagement, enabling a participatory culture that shapes the lifecycle of films from release to legacy. This essay explores how these technological shifts influence cinematic appreciation and considers implications for future film distribution and audience interaction.
One prominent example illustrating this transformative impact is the film The Blair Witch Project (1999). Initially released in theaters, its viral marketing campaign—long before social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter – relied heavily on online forums and websites to create buzz. As the Internet evolved, so did the film’s notoriety; its success was amplified through user-generated content, online reviews, and discussion on platforms such as Reddit and YouTube. Case in point, the faux documentary style of The Blair Witch Project spurred widespread speculation and discussion online, cultivating an eerie sense of realism that contributed to its popularity (Burgess & Green, 2018).
Social media has democratized film criticism, allowing audiences worldwide to share opinions instantly. Sites like Twitter and Reddit serve as forums where viewers analyze plot theories, dissect character developments, and debate thematic interpretations, often influencing broader perceptions and media coverage of a film. For example, the 2015 release of The Revenant benefited from social media buzz, which heightened anticipation and contributed to its awards season success. This trend exemplifies a shift toward participatory engagement, where audience reactions often precede and influence traditional critical consensus (Elsaesser, 2017).
Furthermore, instant communication platforms have democratized access to films, bypassing traditional distribution channels in some cases. The rise of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime emphasizes this trend, offering immediate access to a vast catalog of films worldwide. These platforms also enable user reviews and ratings, which can significantly impact a film's commercial success. An illustrative case is the Netflix original film Bird Box (2018), which gained viral notoriety through social sharing and became a cultural phenomenon largely driven by online discussions and memes (Mendelsohn, 2019).
The implications of these developments are profound for the future of film distribution and audience participation. The barrier between filmmakers and audiences continues to diminish, fostering a more interactive and collaborative viewing experience. Films no longer have a fixed lifespan; they can be revived or sustained through online communities and digital platforms long after their initial release. This ongoing engagement can influence marketing strategies, production decisions, and the overall lifecycle of films (Jenkins, 2018).
In conclusion, the Internet and social media have democratized and decentralize film culture, creating an ecosystem where audiences are active participants in shaping a film's reputation and longevity. As technology evolves, it is likely that future film distribution will emphasize direct audience engagement, personalized content delivery, and ongoing dialogue, redefining the traditional cinematic experience.
References
Burgess, J., & Green, J. (2018). YouTube: Online video and participatory culture. Polity Press.
Elsaesser, T. (2017). Videogames and cinema. Routledge.
Jenkins, H. (2018). Convergence culture: Where old and new media collide. NYU Press.
Mendelsohn, D. (2019). Netflix’s Bird Box and viral marketing. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/18/movies/bird-box-memes.html
Goodykoontz, B., & Jacobs, C. P. (2014). Film: From watching to seeing (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
Grant, B. K. (Ed.). (2012). Film genre reader IV. Retrieved from eBrary database.