Introduction to media production (4th e - Focal Press 2009)

[...]... comprehensive glossary with 128 new digital entries provides definitions to new terms and concepts regardless of the order of presentation to the reader Each chapter discusses developments in digital media technologies as they affect various topics All chapters have been streamlined and bulleted for added readability and improved access to key concepts Some chapters have been combined to recognize important... of the director’s prior work, the current popularity of specific performers or stars, and the interest generated by basic story lines pretested in written form Audience research has been used for a variety of purposes in commercial production Sometimes before production, researchers statistically compare the level of audience interest (the “want -to- see” index) generated by a synopsis, title, or credits... the owner of the theater, TV station, or store that sells DVDs where the films are screened or exhibited is the equivalent of a retailer 11 12 Introduction to Media Production Video/audio on demand streaming occurs whenever a computer operator/receiver decides to download prerecorded audio or video information, while live webcasting occurs at a specific time determined by the sender rather than the... services and television channels Both ­ elephone and cable companies now compete head -to- head in all three of t their areas of service—­ elephone, television, and Internet services—and they ­ ompete t c with satellite for ­ rogramming ­ ervices (Figure 1.5) p s Disk/Disc Magnetic media are referred to as “disks,” whereas optical media are “discs.” The disk/disc industry has offered varying degrees of... and others aired solely on the basis of audience pretesting Story lines, character portrayals, and editing are sometimes changed after audience testing Advertising agencies often test several versions of a commercial on sample audiences before selecting the version to be aired A local news program may be continuously subjected to audience survey research in an attempt to discover ways to increase its... maintaining interest and waging arguments The process of assessing audience ­ references p for and interest in specific projects has become more scientific in recent years, but it inevitably requires an experienced and knowledgeable producer to interpret and implement research findings: Audience Demographics NN Age NN Gender NN Income NN Education NN Religion NN Culture NN Language Detailed audience information... size Sponsors need to have some assurance that the p ­ rogram will effectively reach the target audience and convey its message Audience pretesting can help to determine the best format for conveying information and reaching the audience Successful children’s programs are often based on audience research that assures program effectiveness For example, the fast-paced, humorous instructional style of Sesame... share A sponsor or executive administrator may desire concrete evidence of communication effectiveness and positive viewer reaction after a noncommercial production has been completed Audience research has to be recognized as an important element in the production process While it is no substitute for professional experience and artistic ability, Chapter 1  Producing research nonetheless can provide... videogames were primarily ignored, then derided as overly simple, too violent, and intentionally sexist Whether the simplicity (which quickly disappeared with complex multilevel and multiplayer games), the sexism, or the violence made games as successful as they have become is less important Games are here to stay Because of their pervasive distribution, the amount of money spent to create them, the number... audience is essential for the development of workable funded projects and marketable media ideas What media should a producer use to reach a specific audience? How large is the potential audience? What size budget is justified? What needs and expectations does a particular audience have? What television, film, or graphics format should be used? These questions can only be answered when the prospective . media technologies as they affect various topics. All chapters have been stream- lined and bulleted for added readability and improved access to key concepts. Some chapters have been combined. comprehensive glossary with 128 new digital entries provides definitions to new terms and concepts regardless of the order of presentation to the reader. Each chapter discusses developments. changes. The authors are grateful to the external reviewers for their valu- able suggestions and to Elinor Actipis, Michele Cronin, Lianne Hong, and the staff of Focal Press for their encouragement