Consumption and Production Lecture Week 8

In the lecture in week 6 we discussed consumption and production and the how we consume produced content. We looked at how this is done in "The Big Screens of Life" and in "The Small Screens of Life".

Big Screens of Life

In the "Big Screen of Life" society consumes the content of cinema. It is something that is attended to, and something that is consumed in relation to content. It is not something that the society as a whole has produced, but it is something that is a shared experience with members of the public in way of an audience. We can also mention the Television as this is something that is shared privately in the home. The PC is also in the Big Screen of Life because it is made of content that has been specifically designed for the user.

Small Screens of Life



As described in the lecture notes the small screens of life is in relation to "consumers becoming increasingly involved in the production of products, and they also produce their own identities in the process of consuming and producing products. (Facebook, YouTube).

The Personal Media Player is a platform that allows the used to personalize the device to the degree of the importing of music, songs and videos. There is also an availability for some brands to attach a new skin to the exterior of the Personal Media Player.
To a more extreme extent you can also mention the mobile phone, or the smart phone. Mobile phones and smart phones are also important to consider as they allow the creation of an identity through collation of photos, video, phone book, collection of messages, sent, received and drafted. There is also the ability to adapt the dashboards and widgets to your own personal theme.
It was also mentioned in the lecture tat most of the entertainment we produce is in a form that is too long and not readily accessible via mobile networks. As time and technology has furthered, so has the need for mobile phone accessible pages; and slowly this has come in to fruition. You can now access your bank of choice, YouTube, Twitter and many more. Currently news and information through mobile internet and 3g Portal News and Sport services are very popular and readily available to users; however there is a major lack of entertainment services.

We should also take a look at the "niche-market" of fan made sites and trailer mash ups. It is interesting to note that the consumer has become so interested in the content of a film or a comic etc that they have created an homage to the original or a spoof. The example that was given in the lecture was Star Wars fans producing "Troops" which is a star wars fan-film that is now consumed by Star Wars Fans. Embarrassingly enough I am a Twilight fan and after looking on YouTube for the latest video leaks I have come across numerous fan made trailers and spoofs.

New Moon Fan Made Trailer



Twilight Fan Made Spoof


Although these are fabulous and a great example of the work what was being discussed in class I found that it is sometimes very annoying in the instance that some YouTube users masquerade these files as the 'real' trailers and I have clicked on them not knowing that they are spoofs.

The Trailer Mash
The Trailer Mash is also a website totally devoted to collecting recut trailers and trailer mash-ups. Here is one of the Notebook that I found on this site. It is a Youtbe clip.



News

As stated before news is a booming area for mobile content production. "News Junkies" are responsible for a multitude of mobile news broadcasts and we can sometimes even see "shot- on - a mobile- phone' on actual TV news programs. Examples of this can be seen on ireport.
However there is an issue with content that has been produced from the camera on mobile phone. Not only does it sound terrible but the resolution is not so great either. Many 'cell-phone-movie' festivals have sprung up over the last 5 years and they have disappeared just as quick as they appeared for the same reason.

Here is an example of a short film that was shot on a mobile phone.

Midnight Paranoia



Overall this was a great lecture and I have learnt alot from this lecture. Actually prior to this lecture I had no idea that there film festivals dedicated to short films that were shot on mobile phones. It is fabulous. I heard of one and I think that it was for Toyota. Oh and I think Coca Cola did one too.

Peace!

The Low Down on Week 7

Today Jason took the lecture, and you know that when he takes the lecture it is going to be a combination of incredible facts, unusual anecdotes about Oklahoma and a crazy American thrown in. Up to his usual stuff, Jason did not put up any lecture notes, so I had to take notes like crazy... So here is the low down...

Today we talked about various "Free Download" applications available on the internet. We also discussed Open Source Software and Freeware. In needing a better and more defined definition, I scowered the internet for a definition that would best sum up what I had not origanally been so clear on.

Open Source Software

Open Source Software is a program or application that is free for distribution and does not pay any royalties or fee for sale. The rationale as quoted on this web site is :

"By constraining the license to require free distribution, we eliminate the temptation to throw away many long-term gains in order to make a few short- termn sales dollars. If we don't do this ther would be lots of pressure for cooperators to defect."


Freeware

Although "Freeware" is indeed free it does come with a EULA licence which stands for End User Licence Agreement. Each agreement is different however these agreements often don't allow any altering of the program, repackaging or to sell it. These programs do not often offer technical support or a help menu. These programs are also only available for personal and non commercial use; and if used commercially it would break the agreement unless the coporation payed for the program.

In class we also discussed 5 application sites that include Open Source Software and Freeware or Shareware.

• Mininova
• Sourceforge
• Freeware Genius
• Portable Apps
• Download.com

I also found these too.

• TuCows
• ZDNet
• Snap Files

Mininova

Mininova is a torrent downloading website that I have used in the past and one that many of my friends also use. It is user friendly and it even gives you instructions on how to get started. You can download the latest films from this site, computer programs, games, plug-ins and spyware. Depending on the file size and your internet speed you may have to leave the file to download over night but normally by the next day it should be ready to install.

Sourceforge

Sourceforge is also a site that I have used in the past and one that I often still go to now and then. What I like about this site is that it has been divided up into folders that hold the downloads for specific programs, such as networking, database, education and gaming. This makes the downloads easier to find and much easily accessible. This site does not work off torrents like Mininova and you can not download films, but it is still a go to website.

Freeware Genius

Admittedly this is a site that I have never heard of before, but I have enjoyed looking through it. On first looks, it is a much nicer and appealing site than the last two. While looking at this site I found one program that caught my eye; "Viewer 2". It is a photo viewing program that allows you to group photos of similar size or by tag, and allows the way in which you view photos to be up to the user. I decided to download it and within 2 minutes I was playing with it. It is easy to use and a programe that I will not be erasing any time soon.

Portable Apps

This site says that the programs that are available on this site are:

"PortableApps.com provides a truly open platform that works with any hardware you like (USB flash drive, iPod, portable hard drive, etc). The entire platform is open source built around an open format that any hardware or software provider can use."

I took a look at the applications that are available and decided to download a game Jooleem Portable and I am downloading this while I speak .
This is another attractive site and one that I think I am going to take a serious look at. You can also download open office from this site.
Alright so I have taken a look at Jooleem Portable and it is an honestly addictive game. It is great that these are programs that you can put on your USB or removable Hard-drive. I think thse kind of programs would be great for academics and students who have alot on their USBS and need some programs to be portable. For example there are some computers at uni that do not have programs that others have, so these particular students are limited to particular computers that they can access and fulfill the requirements of their work.

Download.com

Well another aesthetically pleasing website. An attractive nature to this site is that it displays the top 20 downloaded programs, which gives me an idea of what the site has. There are programs in this list that I never would have thought existed, like a youtube clip downloader and Virtual DJ.

I have literally spent hours playing some programs on here and I must say that as a computer user you can not say that you are bored. There is so much out there to play with that there should never be a dull moment on the internet or with your USB.

That is all for now...
Take Care all

The Plan.... mwwaaaahhhhaaahhhhaaa week 7

OK... So Today I am going to be planning an internet hoax, but before I can do that I want research who has done what... what has worked... and basically what have been the real doozies.

Sidd Finch 1985

In 1985 Sports Illustrated published an article about Sidd Finch who was a rookie baseball player who had plans of playing the Mets. What made this story so interesting is that Sidd Finch has never played Baseball before and he could through a baseball not only with pin-point accuracy but he could also throw it at 168mph which is 65mph longer than the world record holder. The article noted that he was soo talented because of his work with Tibetan Monks that he had mastered the "art of the pitch". After this article was published there was a large amount of people that were interested in the article and alot of people asked for more information...
What this article does not tell you is that there is no such person existing. Just someone the author thought up...

The Taco Liberty Bell

In 1996 the Taco Bell Corporation reported that they had bought the Liberty Bell and that they were going to re-name it the "Taco Liberty Bell". Alot of people called to express their anger at the selling of the monument. A few hours later they explained that it was a practical joke but it is still priceless.

The Left Handed Whooper

In 1998 Burger King published a full page article in USA Today about the introduction of a new burger: the Left Handed Whooper, designed for the other 32 million other left handed American's. However there was no change to the contents of the whooper, it stayed the same however all of the sauces were rotated 180 degrees. Thousands of customers has gone into Burger King to request the Left Handed Whooper and it has also been noted that many people requested the right-handed whopper.
This is hilarious. Deffinately something that I am interested in doing. I think that this is the kind of way I am going to go about the video task....

Virgin Cola

In 1996 Virgin Cola released a statement of intent for the new technologically advanced can of coke. The can had been created with new technology so that when the contents of its can had passed its use by date, the contents in conjunction with the can would cause it go blue. This however was false and was made to attempt to overshadow the release of the new Pepsi Can that was blue.

All of this information has been provided by the museum of hoaxes and it is reference to April Fools Hoaxes. The reference can also be found on the links above.

As for what I will do.... to be honest I am not sure... I am considering going for something insignificant like the left-handed whooper and the blue coke can. Something that only a few people would be interested in, and something that is based on consumerism. hmmm, I am not sure. But I will keep you posted.

Week 3 Film and Shot definitions.

This week we have been focusing on film and composition or for all of those film buffs "mise en scene". So here are the definitions that you asked for:

1. VLS/WS = Very Long Shot and Wide Shot

The very long shot and the wide shot gives the viewer an overview of geography or setting. (Fox, 2003, http://www.urbanfox.tv/creative/shotsizes.html)

2. LS= Long Shot

The long shot takes the whole height of the person in the shot. It does not show as much background as the VLS but it does show enough that you are able to distinguish the location. (Fox, 2003, http://www.urbanfox.tv/creative/shotsizes.html)

MLS= Mid Long Shot

The Mid shot cuts off at the waist. It is a good shot to introduce people to your audience. You can also get a good image of the subject in their surroundings. (Fox, 2003, http://www.urbanfox.tv/creative/shotsizes.html)

MCU= Medium close up

The medium close up is the standard news interview shot (atleast in the UK). It is cut off at around the breast pocket. (Fox, 2003, http://www.urbanfox.tv/creative/shotsizes.html)

CU= Close Up

This is a shot of the full face. Sometimes used for interviews- especially when things are getting personal. It also pays more attention to facial expressions. (Fox, 2003, http://www.urbanfox.tv/creative/shotsizes.html)

BCU= Big Close Up

This is a very intimate shot. It is used for very dramatic moments, when the actor is giving it their all. (Fox, 2003, http://www.urbanfox.tv/creative/shotsizes.html)

ECU= Extreme Close Up

The Extreme Close Up shows great detail. You would normally need a specific reason to get this close. It is too close to show general reactions or emotion except in very dramatic scenes. http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/extreme-closeup.html

Now to all the questions.

Will And Grace (TVS)

Who: Will (Erick McCormack) is a gay Layer, Grace (Debra Messing) is an interior designer, Karen Walker (Megan Mullally) is the Grace's assistant and filthy rich, Jack (Sean Hayes) is the gay unemployed actor and Rosario (Shelley Morrison) who is Karen's maid.

What: the show is about lives of Will and Grace and their search for love while still trying to maintain their "fag hag" relationship.

Where: It is based mainly in the apartment block of Will and Grace and their offices in New York, Manhattan.

When: It is based in current time, however it is no longer being shot anymore, however you can buy the episodes on dvd, watch them and other related videos on youtube and you can also so them as re-runs on cable and standard tv.

Why: The show is one of its kind showing comparatively the lives, social stigma's and the loves of gay men and straight women and more importantly the way they maintain not so common relationships with each other.

How: The do this by openly showing audiences the kind of oppressions that are put upon gay men and woman whilst at the same time putting a humorously light on it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0157246/

Short Film Critiquing week 5/6

Miniscule Series- Pique Nique

Miniscule" is a french animation series aired on ABC on Saturday Nights and was one that purely enchanted me. It was introduced to me in a class just this semester and its attention to detail and its beautiful treatment of humour. The animation allows us to see the world as we saw it as a child. However animation has come along way since 1890 when the first comic strip emerged called" Humorous Phases of Funny Faces by cartoonist Stuart Blackton. This was also the catalyst for the first fully animated french film by Emile Cohls called "Fantasmagoria" which was produced in 1908. It was created through simple drawings that looked like stick figures.

This paved the way for Pixars first fully computer animated film in 1986 and then theatre goeers were introduced to live action and animation in the same film. It broke new technological ground with its remarkable blending of animated imagery and live action human characters.

If it was not for this critical step in technology taken to create this cross art film making films or animated series like "Miniscule" that also incorporate animation and real background sounds and plates. What an incredible series. There are over 60 episodes. Happy watching!!!

DV8 Physical Theater Company -The Cost of living.

The Cost of Living is quite a popular film piece for DV8 Physical Theater Company, and one that you can find alot of snipits on youtube. This particular excerpt is a pas de deux by Lloyd Newson for the short film The Cost of Living that runs for approximately 30 minutes, however this is only a two minute segment.

"When the body is not more linked to our mind and seems to be unused

less weight to managae art provides with an immense flash of purity"

-DV8

DV8 is a world renowned physical theatre company that has its routes in London. The Company was created in 1986 and led by LLoyd Newson and over the past 13 years they have created 16 dance pieces and toured internationally. There current project is called "To be straight with you" and it is a multi-ethnic cast that aims to explore tolerance, religion and sexuality. It is also a cross arts piece blending both dance, text, animation, documentary and film and is currently touring this year.

The internet has a long standing relationship with dance and it has been used as an experimental medium through video art and for documtary reasons. Through use of the internet a dance perfomance can not just be an ephemeral experience but one that can be experienced from the other side of the world. Dance companies are relying on video documentation not only as a marketing tool but for exposure for the company and its dancers.

Flight of the Conchords

This is the episode of Dave's Party and they are singing the song "most beautiful girl in the room". It is a humorous video clip from the New Zealand duo that not only have their clips on youtube and have become a household name for younf internet users. They also have a radio show for BBC in New Zealand.

This brings me to the advent of the music video clip. The most notable of these to discuss is "Thriller" video clip by Michael Jackson who created the first 20 minute music video clip which her recieved numerous accolades for. This then opened up the possibilities for other artists to break the boundaries and then Prince went on to make a film based around his music and then so did Michael Jackson with "Moonwalker".

It is also notable to mention the life that a music video or series takes on in the youtube and also its ability to turn the young girl with her bedroom webcam into a famous superstar, however this can only be considered 15 minutes of fame as the media world will soon be caught up in another new piece of youtube flesh and will grow tired of the previous talent.

Artists would also not be able to create music videos expecially for internet usage, without the computer, the advent of sound in film, film itself and the internet. Without all of these things getting your band noticed, getting exposure as an actor and showing the world your new video clip would be impossible.

This is Week 6... stop Freaking out Selina

First of all I want to start with the Persona's task and tell you a little bit about what I think about the results.
Because you can not see the image very well... here is a key to explain what the colours mean.
red= online orange= books peach= fame teal= genealogy soft brown= fashion
khaki= family soft orange= movies maroon= domestic green= illegal blue= professionalsm

My Persona

Well my persona as dictated by this website is correct in terms of the amount of information on my on the internet. My last name is Nisbet can be dated back to quite a while back. With its history starting in Scotland, there was an entire Nisbet Clan and we even have our own plaque. crazy huh. I found a photo for you... here it is...

The Nisbet Coat of Arms

it is pretty nice isn't it. I have one of these on a mug and on a plaque. The Nisbet's even have their own tartan. It is hard to find but I managed to find it in the Edinburgh Castle Gift Shop. It was a little expensive though.

Google Maps

Here is a map of my Japan trip that I did in Japan... I hope you enjoy it.


View My First Overseas Trip in a larger map

Welcome to Sketch Cast

This is my first attempt at doing one of these things so do not judge me...
can you guess what it is going to be?

Cory Arcangel

I have heard of his work before... namely is project called clouds... were he took the super nintento cartridge of the Super Mario game and he found a way of taking out all of the animation apart from the clouds. He has used his work for installations and also on the internet.
Here is another example of his work that I did not know of until now.

Shipping Dog Food is Expensive?

Finding information on this was not easy... so I did all I could and found the very interesting information that if you buy dog food from k9 cuisine and spend over $50 the shipping is free. So if you buy in bulk you will be just right.
lol good question Jason!!!

Vampire Rave

Ok first of all let me let out a slight sigh when I look at these sites. I would much rather be outside checking out a waterfall, or going to a pub, or having a BBQ with friends than playing this game. It is a like world of War Craft. Unless there is a pot of gold at the end of the game than no thanks. These kind of games makes something like this happen:





don't laugh... play vampire rave and this will happen to you!

This is a bucks night (sam)



I was not there... I think this is what I had to do right?


The Dark side of networking websites

Article Be sure to check out this article... and have a look at how bad cyber-bullying really is. With new technology, there is always someone who finds a way to exploit it. There has been a lot about it on the media and it is utterly disgraceful.

Well that is me..... over and out till next time

Turning back time to review lecture two

Well when this class was taking place, I was at a funeral and I have not had the chance till now to complete these tasks so here it goes. From what I have read of the lecture notes the class had a basis in the history of the interent and the computer. We also spoke briefly about convergence but before we can discuss what convergence means to us and what are the kinds of convergent technologies out there t0day, we must define the meaning of convergence.

Convergence

convergence means the act of bringing two things together; it is the act of joining as one.

A perfect example of this is by looking at some examples:

The iPhone

Well if you are looking for just a phone than this is not the phone for you. Not only does the iPhone allow you to choose how you want to communicate with others (eg. call, sms, email, access by internet) but it can also be a games console, it can be a virtual compass and map, it can take photos, it can be used as an mp3 playing device and can also tell the weather and allow you to schedule appointments into your calendar... What did I tell you it is not just a phone.

The IHouse SmartFaucet

This is not your ordinary faucet, it has facial recognition that allows the tap to recognise who is getting into the both and to load personal settings such as how hot the water should be and the degree of flow. It also allows you to check your emails on the touch screen monitor and to check upcoming appointments in your calendar. It is also equiped the LEDS that change depending on the temperature of the water. lol what will they think of next...

The Navman

The Navman Sattelite Navigational has taken navigation to a whole new level with the ability tp be used in a car and by foot, it can tell you where the red light cameras are and if there is much traffic congestion and you can even store your music on it. Who needs a car radio right. A little walking music. There is one that has just been brought that allows you to take photos and your navman will not only store it for you, but it will also tell you were you took it just in case you want to come back some time soon and check the same spot out. Nifty huh.

The PSP

The PSP is another perfect example of convergent technologies. The PSP is not only a gaming console but it can also be used a storage device for video, and photos. It can also be used to play movies, not only ones that are specially designed for the consoloes themselves called cmd's but it can also play the ones that you have stored on it as long as it has the right file format. You can also access the internet throught this little piece of gaming equipment and you can eve talk on skype, with its built in speakers. What more could you ask for?

Here is a video example of Convergent technology: the ICE Phone

Here is one of my personal favourite videos at the moment: Sand Art

Now to a little bit of editing: i did it through picnik which is a very simple online editing suite.

Original Image 1.

Edit of Image 1

Original Image 2.

Here is the edit of Image 2.

Here is the original image for image 3.

Here is the eddited version of image 3.

Finally Image 4.

And here is the edited version of image 4.

And that is me over and out...

Take care and stay tuned to the next back to the future episode.

Peace

This is how I would like to show my interaction with the history of the internet and the computer: