Monday, August 23, 2010

Culture Jamming

1. The first ever cultural jamming;

"My fellow Americans," exhorted John F. Kennedy, "haven't you ever wanted to put your foot through your television screen?"
This was however not the real Kennedy speaking, but an actor in "Media Burn'', which was a spectacle staged in 1975 by the performance art collective Ant Far. The fake Kennedy spoke of America's addiction to the plug-in drug, stating "Mass media monopolies control people by their control of information." Which then an assistant set TV sets on fire, which the crowd absolutely loved. This is the first cultural jamming which I could find, all the way back to 1975.  It is also questioning political assumptions behind commercial culture.

Source; http://www.markdery.com/archives/books/culture_jamming/

2. Most influential culture jamming;

When it comes to today's society, I would say that Borat is one of the most influential culture jamming's. Sacha Baron Cohen who plays Borat made a movie in 2006 named Borat, and it was a mockumentary comedy film about a fictitious Kazakh journalist traveling through the United States, recording real-life interactions with Americans. This was used in my list because of all the controversy surrounding the movie as it had a protagonist who is sexist, homophobic, and antisemitic. The actor who portrays Borat was featured in Times Magazine's 100 Most Influential People list, which proves my point as to why Borat (the character who made Mr Cohen famous) is so influential.

Source; http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/magazines/times _100 _most_influential_includes_borat_bin_laden_obama_tyra _not _you _58320.asp
http://en.wikipedia.or/wiki/Borat:_Cultural_Learnings_of_America_for_
Make_Benefit_Glorious_Nation_of_Kazakhstan

3. The most damaging culture jamming;

The Yes Men are a culture jamming activist-duo consisting of Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno. They primarily aim to raise awareness about what they consider are problematic social issues. The Yes Men often deploy a satirical approach: they pose as a powerful entity (typically a corporate or government representative or executive) and make ridiculous and shocking comments that they believe to be an honest rendering of the organization's ideology. Furthermore, they acknowledge the idea that many corporate or government entities manipulate their ideology using spin; in response, the Yes Men use this power of spin to their own advantage, and use media outlets to disseminate their personal interpretation of the situation. A sense of humor and shock value is usually employed to make these issues more palatable to the general public and to call greater media attention to stories of interest. Some of these outrageous ideas include the possibility to sell one's vote or that the poor should consume recycled human waste. On most occasions, little to no shock or outrage is publicly evoked in response to their prank. The reason as to why I chose them as the most damaging culture jamming is because they created a lot of chaos for the companies which resulted in a lot of law suits. However, they did get their message out to the public on all the lies and social problems caused by the government and various companies.

Source; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Yes_Men

Friday, August 20, 2010

Not Online. Come Back Later

1. Where and when did usable online video start? (provide some refs. and an example if possible)


Usable online video clips on YouTube started on Saturday, 23 of April, 2005 when the first video clip was published; Me at the Zoo, by Jaw. See video clip;



This video clip was the first of millions, and after the launch of 2005 YouTube has boomed into something like never before, with millions of users adding new videos everyday. Although there were ways to post videos online before YouTube, it was in fact YouTube who made it possible for anyone in the world who had an Internet connection so log and, upload their video for millions of viewers to watch in just minutes.
Source; 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNQXAC9IVRw
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube




2. In the lecture we heard about technological innovations that were used by the studios to lure audiences. (mostly to combat the popularity of TV)
What recent innovations are being used to lure us in the movies?
What are they luring us from?

Recent innovations/ tactics that are being used to lure us in the movies are amongst other 3D movies, which perhaps are not as successful according to me. For instance, I love horror movies and after they added 3D, they have absolutely wrecked my favorite movie genre. Then again, Avatar had great success with 3D and I really think it made a difference, especially when giving the impression of a whole different world and reality. Other tactics would be online ticket purchasing, which makes it easier for us in our busy day-to-day lives. Anything that is easy and which requires minimal action, is good for us. Other quite popular strategies are movie marathons such as a night long run of all the Lord of the Ring movies. They are luring us from television and everyday reality. Movies are there to make a profit, a big profit, and the only way they will do that is if someone watches their movie. That's why there are big staged events, such as celebrities showing up at movie theatre and so on. 


Source; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3-D_film


3. Are short films still being made? Why? Who pays for them to be made?


Short films are mot definitely still being made - just check out www.weheartshortfilms.com which provides you with short films that have been entered in competitions such as the Bejing short film festival. Then there is also www.funnyordie.com which has celebrities who play in the short films provided on the website. Short films are still being made because of the demand from people for them. It is still popular and especially as links being forwarded to people on email. On weheartshortfilms.com it is mostly the people who make the short films that pay for them, themselves as opposed to comic videos by celebrities on funnyordie.com who have the site that pays for the videos to be made. 


Source; http://weheartshortfilms.com/


4. The term viral is thrown about adhoc but what does it mean in film/movie arena? Give some examples.


In the film/ movie arena viral means that movies can now be online, sent through emails or downloaded illegally from various websites. Of course, when it comes to movies, this is not a good thing as they are losing profits and people can view a movie before it has even reached the cinema. This can also be seen (legally) in YouTube where clips from various scenes from movies are available to watch. 


Source; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_video


5. Online video distribution isn't limited to the short film format. We are now starting to see television styled shows made solely for internet release (webisodes). Find an example of this style of content and discuss how viewing television content in this way can positively and negatively affect the viewer's experience.


Webisodes of Married on MySpace, which has to be hands down the funniest and most idiotic concept of a reality show I have ever seen. The content and layout is done really well and it is actually filmed in a decent way too. Easy to watch, and similar to a normal reality show which we can watch on TV. I think webisodes are a positive way of viewing shows on the internet because there are no ad breaks, the viewer has more control over what to watch or what to skip and it is simple to find/ work out. 




Source; http://www.myspace.com/marriedonmyspace



Thursday, August 19, 2010

The Internet Has Been Found In The Lions Den

Past week 1 and 2, we find week 3! This week the lecture was about the history of computing and the internet. Was at times a bit hard to follow, as a lot of the information was new to me. 

Did you know: 31 years from Apple Vision to YouTube clips today

This is something from my notes that just stuck with me. Imagine what will be in another 31 years, might be like a hologram coming out of everyones computer talking or something insane like that. Anyway, back to what went on during this lecture. Digital technology - mechanical movement, for example a cash register.  Analog technology is not digital, more in the sense of sound waves or signals being transmitted, such as with sending an SOS morse code. Most innovations come from the war, sad but true.

Found Week 2 Behind A Hippo

We have now entered into a dangerous area and what seems to be: week 2!

Cinema! So much to say and so much that was learnt this week. We started off with various shots that can be used in movies. Example; long shot, medium shot, close up - all different shots that can help for various effects. Which could be for example a close up to display the characters emotions (such as crying after a break-up). Another thing that shots can do is show time, place, who is featured in the movie and whats going on. The one thing which I got out of this lecture, which is very useful is; a character must never be in the middle of the shot or with too much space on each side, rather they must use the rule of thirds! Last, but not least, when shooting a conversation between two characters, one must apply the 180' rule! This meaning always having both characters in the shot.

Roar, Amanda

Running Through The Jungle, Searching For Week 1

This will be the first post out of many, talking about when it all started, to when it all ended - the lectures. Therefore, time to sum up and look back at the weekly lectures in New Communication Technology:

Of course, I would have to start with week 1 (hence the dramatic title, trying to stay true to my safari theme)

This was the first lecture, and my first encounter with New Communication Technology as a subject. Like with most of my other subjects, I wasn't biting my nails or looking already stressed out by the overwhelming course outline. When it came to this subject, I was indeed excited. Mostly because I only thought of new communication as texting on my mobile or social networking on facebook, when in fact examples of communication could be the first drawings in caves way back in time. What I definitely know after this lecture is: Communication is any process that transfers, transmits or makes information known to other people. Something I knew more or less before, but now I know the definition of it. Another thing that made me wiser during this lecture and which stuck with me was the definition of technology; Technology is the scientific study of mechanical arts and their application to the world. Which is great. The thing I of course remember the most was the tutespark and that we would need a spectacular slogan to go with it. The last thing I could remember from this lecture was convergence meaning the fact that many communication technologies are today converging, joining together so that more technologies can be accessed from one point. 

Roar, 
Amanda

Monday, August 16, 2010

Everything Has Gone Viral

Three short films, only available on the internet;

1. The Landlord, found at funnyordie.com starring Will Ferrell. This I believe is an attempt at a short film, as it has a story line to it and is not just a quick funny internet joke. Will Ferrell is a regular to appear on short films for funnyordie.com and has since his first appearance opened the door for other actors to join.


The reason as to why this became so popular is first of all because of Will Ferrell and his role as a famous comedian in Hollywood. Second of all, the story behind the film and especially the people (the toddler) makes the short film hilarious. I think this particular short film is good, mainly because of Will Ferrell and his creativity for turning boring normal day-to-day activities into something funny. I love a good laugh, and this is what this short film gave me, simple as that.
*
2. Pilgeon Pilfer, found at weheartshortfilms.com. Story about pigeons who are quite hungry, but not for food.. Funny short story, and the claymation is a nice touch. I especially liked it, because we all know what it is like to try and eat something delicious and along comes a hundred pigeons begging for the crumbs.

Pigeon Pilfer from Michael Stevenson on Vimeo.

This was one of the top rated shortfilms on weheartshortfilms.com, so I would therefore say it is already popular. Just not mainstream popular. This is just a different shortfilm because of the claymation, which makes it that much better. Besides, the turning point (when you realize what the pigeons really are after) is a funny touch to the story. It's a good short animation to watch.
*
3.  Last Day Dream, also found at weheartshortfilms.com. A very short story told through the eyes of a man, as his life flashes before him. Perhaps one of my favourite short films, as it has such character and personality.

Last Day Dream [HD] from Chris Milk on Vimeo.

As with the previous shortfilm, this one was also one of the top rated on weheartshortfilms.com. This was actually an entry for the Bejing  42 second dream film festival in 2009, which I believe makes it more popular than the pigeon shortfilm. What makes this shortfilm so good is because it is real, everyone can relate to this shortfilm. When a person can relate, then they can also emphasize with the main character. You go through the ups and downs with the person in the film and feel connected. It gives meaning to the phrase - 'life flashing right before your eyes'.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Digital Without The Electronics

First I will define these following terms; digital, analogue, communication and electronic.

Digital; electronic technology that generates, stores, and processes data in terms of two states: positive and non-positive. Positive is expressed or represented by the number 1 and non-positive by the number 0.

Analogue; are electronic systems with a continuously variable signal, in contrast to digital electronics where signals usually take only two different levels. The term "analogue" describes the proportional relationship between a signal and a voltage or current that represents the signal.

Communication; is a process whereby information is enclosed in a package and is channeled and imparted by a sender to a receiver via some medium. The receiver then decodes the message and gives the sender a feedback. All forms of communication require a sender, a message, and an intended recipient, however the receiver need not be present or aware of the sender's intent to communicate at the time of communication in order for the act of communication to occur.

Electronic; is the branch of science and technology which makes use of the controlled motion of electrons through different media and vacuum. The ability to control electron flow is usually applied to information handling or device control. Electronics is distinct from electrical science and technology, which deals with the generation, distribution, control and application of electrical power.

Here are three examples of digital devices that are not electronic;



The first example I have is the telephone network, the world's largest communications system, which is a mix of analog and digital lines. It used to be entirely analog and transmitted only voice frequencies, but is today almost entirely digital. By using the telephone network, people could talk to each other which as stated before is a communication system.





The second example is an analogue clock, what is special about this clock is that it indicates time using angles. Another type of analog clock is the sundial, which tracks the sun continuously, registering the time by the shadow position of its gnomon. Sundials use some or part of the 24 hour analog dial. The clocks communicates time, so therefore they are also communication technologies.




The third and final example is the typewriter, which is a mechanical or electromechanical device with a set of keys that, when pressed, cause characters to be printed on a medium, usually paper. Which of course is one of the basic forms of communication as one can type letters to each other.



References:
http://searchcio-midmarket.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid183_gci211948,00.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analogue_electronics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communication
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronics
http://www.answers.com/topic/communication
http://cisco.biz/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucme/srnd/design/guide/intro.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clock#Analog_clocks
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:TypewriterHermes.jpg

Friday, August 13, 2010

The Treasure Hunt Into The Wild & Unknown

Questions that must be answered by the one and only - internet:


1. What is the weight of the world’s biggest machine? How much did it cost to build?

The underground ring of the Hadron Collider, the world's biggest machine, is lined with 1,232 50-foot-long magnets, each weighing 35 tons. The tunnel also contains four gigantic particle detectors, as big as apartment buildings, plus two smaller ones, all crammed with scientific instruments. The whole complex is chilled by 120 tons of liquid helium to almost absolute zero, colder even than outer space.

The machine cost the member countries of CERN and other participating countries an estimated €4.6 billion (about US$ 6.4 billion).
 http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2008/03/time-machine-worlds-biggest-particle.html
http://www.neatorama.com/2008/09/12/10-things-about-the-large-hadron-collider-you-wanted-to-know-but-were-afraid-to-ask/
http://www.canada.com/technology/What+name+Large+Hadron+Collider+could+reveal+origins/2910326/story.html


2. What is the best way (quickest, most reliable) to contact Ozzy Osborne?
I found that the best way to find out how to contact Ozzy Osbourne would most likely to be check with his fans. Check! His email address, probably one of many, is WorldOfOzz@aol.com or OZZ@aol.com. Better yet, post something on his actual site (listed below) OR why not just knock on his door: 

5535 Dixon Trail Road
Hidden Hills, CA 91302
USA

http://www.ozzy.com/us/forum/ozzys-e-mail-address
http://www.fanmail.biz/1050.html




3. When and what was the first example of global digital communication?
One of the possible answers I came up with for this specific question was the first time humans discovered how to signal to each other with the use of light, semaphore which happened first in 1972, by Claude Chappe. 


 http://www.answers.com/topic/semaphore


4. What is the cheapest form of travel from the Gold Coast to Melbourne?
Flight would be the cheapest form of travel from the GC to Melbourne, which I found you would only pay $A68 as of the 02/04-2011. If you however would like to fly sometime soon, it would still be within a reasonable range of below $A100. 



http://www.airfaresflights.com.au/flights/Melbourne/Gold_Coast-OOL/


5.Who is Hatsune Miku? What company does she belong to? What is her birthday?
Hatsune Miku is a cute virtual pop idol named and was created from Crypton Future Media’s voice synthesis software DTM (Desktop Music). Her birthday (the day she was created) is the 31st of August, 2007. 



http://www.afa09.com/i_love_miku.html


6. Find a live webcam in Antarctica. Find a place to stay in Antarctica.
A live webcam in Antarctica: Casey Station (see link below). To find somewhere to stay in Antarctica was difficult, as I would imagine only scientist and not so many tourists go to stay there, in fact there isn't even a permanent population! Therefore, if you want to take a trip there, I suggest you stay at a research station and perhaps become a scientist in order to do so. Macquarie station would be the place to go, your welcome.


http://www.aad.gov.au/asset/webcams/casey/default.asp
http://www.antarcticconnection.com/antarctic/stations/macquarie.shtml



7. What song was top of the Australian pop charts this week in 1980?
The song which was on the top of the Australian pop charts this week in 1980 is: Call Me, Blondie. 




http://mag.weddingcentral.com.au/music/songs/songs1980.htm


8. How would you define the term 'nano technology'? In your own words, what does it really mean?
I would define 'nano technology' as an expected future manufacturing technology that will make most products lighter, stronger, cleaner, less expensive and more precise. In my own words; nano technology is something that will be able to create new materials for medicine or electronics, at a molecular scale. 


http://www.bing.com/search?q=nanotechnology&form=MSNH50&mkt=en-au&qs=AS


9. What type of camera is used to make ‘Google Street View’?
 The camera which is used to make 'Google Street View' is Immersive Media, which can get the full 360' view. 


http://google.about.com/od/experimentalgoogletools/ig/SIGGRAPH-2007/Immersive-Media-Camera.htm








10.Translate these questions into Klingon.
Questions into Klingon:
1. nuq 'oH [the] [weight] vo' [the] qo' [biggest] [machine] chay' 'ar ta'ta' 'oH [cost] Daq chen 'oH
2. nuq 'oH [the] [best] [way] Daq [contact] [Ozzy] [Osborne]
3. ghorgh 'ej nuq ghaHta' [the] wa'DIch [example] vo' [global] [digital] [communication]
4. nuq 'oH [the] [cheapest] [form] vo' [travel] vo' [the] SuD baS [Coast] Daq [Melbourne]
5. 'Iv 'oH [Hatsune] [Miku] nuq [company] ta'taH ghaH [belong] Daq nuq 'oH Daj qoS
6. tu' [a] yIn [webcam] Daq [Antarctica] tu' [a] Daq Daq [stay] Daq [Antarctica]
7. nuq bom ghaHta' [top] vo' [the] [Australian] [pop] [charts] vam [week] Daq
8. chay' [would] SoH [define] [the] [term] ['nano] [technology'] Daq lIj ghaj mu'mey nuq ta'taH 'oH [really] [mean]
9. nuq [type] vo' [camera] 'oH [used] Daq chenmoH [‘Google] [Street] [View’]
10. [Translate] Dochvammey [questions] Daq tlhIngan


http://www.mrklingon.org/


All questions were answered in the tutorial on the 13 of August., 2010. 12 pm to 2 pm. 

Friday, August 6, 2010

Oh No, Not Him!




The process of making this video from shots on my iPhone to a video on YouTube was really fun and interesting. It surprised me how easy it is to make something and post it on the world wide web in less than an hour. The shots were each different from the next, and the way the video turned out was very pleasing. Jordan and I had a lot of fun with the shots for our movie title, 'Oh No, Not Him!' which was great. It was quite easy and will be helpful I believe for perhaps other assignments at University/ work related and for some spare time fun. As for the shots, we tried to incorporate as much of the different kinds of shots as we could, such as close ups, distance, long shots. Whatever we could shoot, but that would work with our concept. The only thing that could have been better was of course the music, transistions between the pictures and quality, but what we did in less than an hour is still pretty good. 

Roar, Amanda