Monday 10 November 2014

The Avengers


The issues raised by media ownership in contemporary media practice;

(how does who owns a media company influence the type of film made and its potential success? For example do BIG companies make BIG films and therefore make all the money? Is it possible for small companies to succeed?)

The Marvel Studios made The Avengers and as Marvel is owned by Disney they have enough money to have a huge budget for their films so the quality can be better they can get better actors etc. therefore the film should be more successful. Small companies can make good films and make money from them but they are often likely to have a lower budget so may not be able to have such good special effects etc.

 

The importance of cross media convergence and synergy in production, distribution and marketing;

(how do companies work together to produce, distribute and publicize a film? How can Disney use their size to promote and publicise a film? How can small companies work together to promote their business' when making and promoting a film?)

All Avengers related films were created by Marvel so that The Avengers could be made. Captain America, Thor and the Iron Man films were only really made so that The Avengers could be made. Because Disney is a huge company they have the money to be able to advertise The Avengers and collaborate with smaller companies to help promote their film. Disney had promotional partners such as Dr Pepper and Harley-Davidson that helped promote their film. Marvel uses Acura cars as the official cars for S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and they did the same for The Avengers as they provided a one off car for Tony Stark to drive in the film.

 

The technologies that have been introduced in recent years at the levels of production, distribution, marketing and exchange;

(how has the introduction of digital film, 3D, DVD, Blue Ray, internet streaming, downloadable content, home cinema influenced the types of films made, the way we watch them and the way we 'buy' them?)

The Avengers was released on DVD, Blu Ray, Blu Ray 3D and digital download. People go to the cinema less now as there are so many other options available to them. More people are buying films online or watching them on websites like Netflix.

 

The significance of proliferation in hardware and content for institutions and audiences;

(how and why have film companies had to alter the way they work now everyone has web enabled phones, PC's, consoles etc? How have audiences changed their viewing habits now we no longer need to go to the cinema to watch a film)

Because lots of people use things like Netflix to watch films on computers and mobile phones The Avengers released a directors cut so it can be watched on your phone. This makes it easier for people to watch the film therefor more likely to buy it.

 

The importance of technological convergence for institutions and audiences;

(can you think of examples of how different technologies have come together to help the film industry?) 

Technologies such as the internet have helped out the film industry as they make it easier for people to watch films with websites like Netflix etc. This means it is easier for people to access the film and then more people are likely to buy it through the internet or watch it online.

 

The issues raised in the targeting of national and local audiences (specifically, British) by international or global institutions; 

(how do film companies try and attract their audience? Do they do different things in different countries?)

The British copy of The Avengers was given a new name (Avengers Assemble) so as not to get confused with a British TV show with the same name. The British copy also had a less graphic version of Agent Coulson's death so it would not be rated too high and stop younger audience from being able to watch it. 

 

The ways in which the candidates’ own experiences of media consumption illustrate wider patterns and trends of audience behaviour.

(what is your opinion on the above? Do you see the developments as a good or bad thing?)

I think that it is good that the film is available to people in more forms as it makes it easier to watch the film and means the film gets more money. I don't think it was necessary to change the title for the British copy as it is not likely to be confused with a TV series.