December PPE learner response💕

 1) Type up your feedback in full - WWW & EBI. You do not have to write your mark and grade if you don't want to.

WWW; strong attempt at Q1.2 which reveals good knowledge of narrative theories.

EBI; work on timings in this paper you will be expected to answer 3 x 20 mark question 

2) Write a definition for a preferred reading to make sure you know this terminology. The original blogpost for Reception theory may help with this

when the audience consumes and views the media the way the producers want them to view it 

3) Write a list of any narrative theories that you DIDN'T use for your answer to question 1.2. How could you have used these in the Doctor Who clip in the exam? 

 Levi Strauss- Young V Old 

susan is a teenager whereas her grandfather is an old man 

4) Write three ways in which a modern audience might respond differently to Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child compared to an audience at the time.

doctor who was slow paced whereas modern audiences are familiar with fast pace shows 

5) Write a plan for question 2 in the assessment - the 20-mark essay on Doctor Who as a franchise. Use the mark scheme to help you and aim to plan an introduction, conclusion and at least three detailed paragraphs.

justify , make a judgement : yes 80% & no 20%

live evidence from episodes

diversity

6) What topics do you need to revise for future Paper 2 exams? List at least three topics, theories or CSPs.

the whole of doctor who 

barthes & blumer and katz 

Introduction to Newspapers💕

 

1) What type of news can you typically find in a tabloid newspaper?

soft news- celebrity gossip , life hacks ect 

2) What type of news can you typically find in a broadsheet newspaper?

larger, more niche and tends to focus on serious, harder news.

3) If someone is left-wing, which political party are they likely to support? Which newspaper would they be likely to read?

in favour of social equality and reform. The Labour Party is considered left-wing and the Daily Mirror generally supports Labour and left-wing causes.

4) If someone is right-wing, which political party are they likely to support? Which newspaper would they be likely to read?

prefer the traditional way things are and in favour of low taxes. The Conservative Party is considered right-wing and the Times generally supports the Conservatives and right-wing causes.

5) Why has there been a decline in newspaper sales in the last 20 years?

You can now access the news though social media , so looking at news online is quick and convenient which means people dont actually buy physical newspaper copies much anymore.

6) Why is a free press important in a democracy like the UK?

A free press implies that journalists and newspaper editors can edit content free of intervention from Government influence. Which publishes a wider range of opinions and debates.

Doctor Who: Audience and Industry blog tasks💕

Audience

1) Who is the target audience for Doctor Who? Has it changed since 1963?

appeals to masses (12-40), reboot helped gain younger fans.

2) What audience psychographic groups might particularly enjoy Doctor Who?

12 certificate so maybe young teens and reverences to popular culture (pop culture) 

3) What audience pleasures are offered by An Unearthly Child? Apply Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory to the episode. Make sure you provide specific examples from the episode to support your ideas.

Personal Identity:

-susan-teenager-listening to music-costumes

-school setting-mise en scene

-teachers:barbara&ian-almost parental figures  

Personal Relationships:

-teacher+susan - audience wants them to be safe - cliffhanger/ enigma code. 

Diversion (Escapism): -dramatic sci fi narrative 

-mystery=susan-"unearthly"

-tardis

Surveillance (Information / Facts): technology , science , history

-the doctor

- the teacher

-the french revolution/ the space travel

            

4) What additional Uses and Gratifications would this episode provide to a modern 2020 audience?

In 2020 people may still watch doctor who as diversion. The sci-fi genre can be a form of escapism 

5) Thinking of the 3 Vs audience pleasures (Visceral, Vicarious and Voyeuristic pleasures), which of these can be applied to An Unearthly Child?

Visceral Pleasures: Tardis taking off- creepy junkyard

Vicarious Pleasures: Space and time travel - inside of the tardis 

Voyeuristic Pleasures: Teachers discussion of susan


Industries

1) What was the television industry like in 1963? How many channels were there?

In 1963 the television industry was small. There were only 3 channels available to watch.

2) Why is Doctor Who such an important franchise for the BBC? 

3) How does Doctor Who meet the BBC's mission statement to 'inform, educate and entertain'?

Doctor Who informs and educates people because of the science and history you learn throughout the show. It is also great entertainment as it provides a lot of science fiction and action in the episodes.

4) How is the BBC funded?

The BBC is funded from us as BBC license fee payers wheres other channel rely on advertising and sponsorship.

5) Who regulates the BBC and what is the watershed?

The BBC is regulated by OfCOM (the office of communications). OfCOM oversees all media channel and produces a code of conduct that all media channels must follow. This includes suitable programmes before the 9pm watershed and various other quality standards.

Class: Language and Representation💕

 Language and close-textual analysis

1) Write an NCIS analysis for the episode - using notes from the screening in class. Make specific, detailed reference to moments in the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots and movement, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

Co-owner of a Lonely Heart;

Narrative:

-"previously" recaps previous episodes

-corakinus tries to regain control of his heart

-april is seen carrying a sword

Character:

-shadow kin 

-april m 

-corakinus

Iconography:

-sword

-torches

-blue flame

-smoke cgi

Setting:

2) How does Todorov's theory of equilibrium apply to Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Try and use the expanded version of Todorov's theory: Equilibrium - Disruption - Recognition - Reparation - New equilibrium.

the start of the equilibrium starts as April is the co-owner of corakinus' heart. April reveals her superpowers to her father which is a disruption. Aprils father confronts her mother about Aprils behaviour (recognition). the reparation was April still battling with corakinus to survive. The new equilibrium is April traveling to the shadow realm to defeat the shadow kin.

3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do each of the main characters in Class fit into? Alternatively, you may wish to discuss how characters do not fit Propp's character types.

Charlie can be seen as props character roll as a hero as he saved his race from the shadow kin.

April Maclean can be seen as the princess as she's considered 'the damsel in distress' and protection from corakinus.

Corakinus can be seen as the villain because he fights the hero and was selfish about it.

Andrea Quill is seen as the donor as she is the leader of the quest (doctor) encourages her to support them in the quest.

Ram Singh can be seen as the false hero as he's the companion to the hero also helps the narrative progress.

Huw Maclean (Aprils dad) can be seen as the dispatcher as he informs Aprils mum about her superpowers 

Tanya Adeola can be seen as the helper as she communicates to the rest of the group to inform of developments in the quest.

4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

Action Codes (physical code);
-pink flower petals: repetition of them seen as deadly

-blue swords: significantly links to sci-fi genre as links to violence of antagonist (corakinus)

-orange pupils (eyes): linking her corakinus together

Enigma Codes (non-verbal code mystery):

-conversation between mattheuz and Charlier about cabinet of souls 

-April becomes aggressive in her history lesson - potentially sharing corakinus emotions.

-mother regaining ability to walk- links to sci fi genre encourages narrative to next episode.

5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience?

one key example of binary opposition is lightVdark is shown through planet earth (humans) and shadow realm (shadow kin). another example is loveVhate is April defeating her mother and attacks and confronts her father.


Representations

1) How is gender represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted?

Many gender stereotypes are represented in Class, for example, females: Women are presented as strong and powerful in this show through empowered characters like April and Quill, which subverts the stereotype that women are weak. However, it could be argued that the show is also reinforcing this stereotype, as April's mother needs to be healed so she's seemingly under men also April's mother is still bothered by her ex-husband. The stereotype that men are always strong is both reinforced and subverted in the show. Ram is shown to be protective of April and a sporty character, which reinforces the stereotype, however, he is also seemingly defenceless against April and merely follows behind her into the tear.

2) How is age (e.g. teenagers; older people like teachers or parents) represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people?

The show subverts many stereotypes against youth, for example, that teenagers are weak. However, this is overseen through the powerful teenage characters like April, having to protect their older companions. The show also reinforces stereotypes against teenagers, one example is that Teenagers are impulsive, which is clearly demonstrated by Ram sudden decision to chase after April.

3) How is race and ethnicity represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Are  stereotypes reinforced or subverted?

Racial stereotypes are subverted in this show, with lead roles like Ram and Tanya as crucial characters in the show. It subverts the ideas that certain races, like Indians and BAME, are all uptight and untrusting since Ram/ Tanya are very open and trusting characters. Also, the show includes characters from East Europe who are openly gay, which both reinforces and subverts stereotypes that Eastern Europeans are all homophobic, as a lead role is gay, yet he is disowned by his family.

4) How is sexuality represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? How does this reflect the BBC's remit to represent modern Britain?

The show includes an openly gay relationship, which is not made to be different from any other relationship, massively subverting centuries of media which did not represent this group of people. This reflects BBC's remit since it shows how all realtionships are accepted and can be shown even on television, like Charlie and Matteusz' relationship.

5) How is disability represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Why are disabled people generally under-represented in the media and how does Class try to address this?

Disability in Class is represented as something that is entirely normal, yet it also destroys this, since April heals her mother's paralysis, undermining how her disability should be permanent but unimportant. Disability is often under-represented as many people who are disabled are seen as pitiful and weaker, therefore unnecessary to be seen on screen. the show tries to subvert this by including a strong-willed disabled character, but ultimately fail in this, since her disability is written off as something that must be healed for her to be "normal".

Doctor Who: Language and Representation blog tasks💕

Language and close-textual analysis

1) Choose three key moments in the episode and write an NCIS analysis for those clips. You can use your notes from the screening in class. Make specific, detailed references using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

An Unearthly Child scene analysis 0:00-06:40

Narrative: 

-police officer patrolling

-teachers were trying to establish where Susan lived

-concerned for her welfare

Character: 

-police officer

-ian chesterton

-barbara wright/history teacher

-susan forman/student

Iconography: 

-eerie sounds (non diegetic)

-electronic (sound effects from spaceship)

-foggy atmostphere creates mystery

-teachers formally dressed 

-science experiment equipment

Setting: 

-school

-junkyard

-outside school

-inside science classrooms


2) How does Todorov's theory of equilibrium apply to An Unearthly Child? Try and use the expanded version of Todorov's theory: Equilibrium - Disruption - Recognition - Reparation - New equilibrium.

Starts in the equilibrium of the school, which is disrupted by Susan. The teachers follow Susan into the junkyard (recognition), but this attempt failed as they were met with  another disequilibrium of the Doctor and their transportation to another time. The episode ends with no attempt at reparation.

3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do each of the main characters in An Unearthly Child fit into? Alternatively, you may wish to discuss how characters do not fit Propp's character types.

Barbara and Ian can be seen as props character roll as the hero as she's concerned for Susans welfare 

Susan can be seen as the princess as she's the person being "saved"

Doctor (Susans Grandfather) can be seen as the villain as he refuses to cooperate (hostile)

Barbara can be seen as the helper as she follows Ian and this initiated her concerns for Susan.

4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in An Unearthly Child? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

When first introduced to the character Susan we find her dancing strangely, this enigma code suggests how her role may not be of this world. An action code we see is a scene of a police officer investigating the junkyard, which is convinent towards the end of the show. 

5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in An Unearthly Child? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience?

One key example of binary opposition in this episode is Old and Young. This is shown through Susan and The Doctor. Another example is Intelligence and Ignorance. This is shown through Ian's refusal to listen to the Doctor and his shock due to this. Another binary opposition in this episode is Weak and Strong.You could argue that in this episode, women are shown as weaker than men, as Babara and Susan are reliant on men. 


Representations

1) What stereotypes of men are reinforced and subverted in Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child? How?

A key stereotype of men that is enforced is that they should be more scientific than women, as Ian is a science teacher and there are seemingly no other female science teachers. Additionally, the stereotype that men are dominant is also reinforced in this episode because Ian takes the lead instead of Barbara, and the Doctor is the only character that controls the TARDIS, not Susan. However, this stereotype is also subverted as Ian was protected by Susan when entering the TARDIS.

2) What stereotypes of women/girls are reinforced and subverted in Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child? How?

A key stereotype that is reinforced is that women are much more emotional than men. This is shown when Barbara's worries about Susan and her fear in the TARDIS, as well as Susan's extremely emotional reaction to the Doctor taking off. The stereotype that women are weak is reinforced in this episode as Barbara needs Ian's protection and is quite reliant on him, proving how women are vulnerable. Susan also subverts this stereotype, as she attempts to fight back against the Doctor and holds her own ground.

3) What are common media stereotypes of young people and old people? Do any of the characters or scenarios reinforce or subvert these conventional stereotypes (consider this was 1963)? Has this changed in more recent series of Doctor Who?

One common media stereotype of young people is that they're rebellious which is clearly demonstrated through Susan. One stereotype of old people is that they're weak and wise which is both reinforced and subverted through the Doctor, it is reinforced because the Doctor is shown as an intelligent and rude character but is also strong since he can withstand Susan's attempt to stop him. 

4) What representations of race/ethnicity can be found in Doctor Who: An Earthly Child? Is this surprising or not? Give reasons for your answer and consider historical / cultural context (the 1960s). Has this changed in more recent series of Doctor Who?

There is only a clear representation of people of British, or white ethnicity. This is due to the lack of diversity on television at the time. Additionally, the 1960s were a time where racism was acceptable, and people of colour on television was not normal. In more recent seasons of the doctor this has changed, with companions of the Doctor being of colour.

5) How is social class represented in An Unearthly Child? Think about how education and knowledge is presented in the episode.

In this episode, the only class that is represented is the middle or upper class, as all the characters are clearly educated and are white, which suggests that they are of middle or higher class. The only human characters in this show are teachers, which further shows that the middle class is being represented.

Social and Historical context

1) How does An Unearthly Child reflect the social and historical contexts of the 1960s?
The plot was a narrative involving the Doctor and his companions voyaging

100,000 years into Earth’s past to help some cavemen discover fire. This contextually links to many current events that occurred in  the 1960s for example; 1969- First Man on the moon; 1961- First man in space as they all linked to science related events just like Doctor Who.

2) How might audiences have felt towards science fiction in the 1960s?

In my opinion, I think audiences could have felt more intrigued and excited as science fiction is evolving its becoming more realistic as the years go on which can make the consumers more likely to watch  

Media assessment learner response💕

 1) Type up your feedback in full - WWW & EBI. You do not have to write your mark and grade if you don't want to

WWW -good knowledge of all csps in this assessment.

-decent attempt at analysing at galaxy CSP with reference to narrative theories.

EBI;- analyse unseen media products in further detail in relation to mise-en-scene and printed advert conventions.

- make flashbacks for each CSP and media theories to help you prepare 

2) Look at Question 3 in the assessment - the media analysis of the Under Armour advert.

Use CLAMPS to revise mise-en-scene and write about each element of CLAMPS for the Under Armour advert.

C - Costume: The player is wearing red and black rugby kit which has connotations of anger blood and strength 

L - Lighting: The white stadium floodlights synergy to sports and dark backgrounds which can symbolise the rugby player to be fearless.

A - Actor placement and movement: The rugby player is pushing a tyre and training The player's face implies hes powerful and potentially struggling as the tyre is heavy 

M - Make up: The player's face is shining under the lights which makes it look like sweat which connotes the rugby player is hard working and has trained hard 

P - Props: The tyre is significant because it shows the rugby player is very strong as hes pushing it by himself

S - Setting: the stadium setting suggests to the audience that under armour is a sporty brand and it the rugby player could potentially be training.

3) Look at Question 4. What is Todorov's theory of equilibrium? How does it link to the Audrey Hepburn Galaxy advert? 

Todorov, suggests that all narratives follow a three part structure. They begin with equilibrium, where everything is balanced, progress as something comes along to disrupt that equilibrium, and finally reach a resolution, when equilibrium is restored.This links to Audery Hepburn because shes in the galaxy advert and they have clear examples of the equilibruim , new equilibruium ect.

4) What social class is Reveal aimed at? (Extension - what do the cover lines on Reveal suggest about what working class people are interested in?)

Reveal is aimed at the working class, Working class people could potentially be interested in gossip, beauty , diets ect  

5) Pick three cover lines from Tatler that reflect upper class British culture and society. Explain what they suggest about the lifestyle and beliefs of upper class British people.

Introduction to Science-fiction TV drama💕

 1) How does Class meet the conventions of a TV drama series?

Class meets the conventions of a TV drama by including the following; dramatic narrative,specific technical codes and the use of stereotypical 'stock' characters.

2) What conventions of the science-fiction genre can you find in the Class trailer? List as many as you can and use NCIS to help you.
The science-fiction genres that you can find in Class would be sub-genres such as high school drama and horror as well as things like; alien invasion, advanced technology ,space travel and artificial intelligence. Characters tend to be associated with 'aliens who look human' along with aliens who look different and robots etc.. Typical props that have been used include the following;
-spaceships
-UFOs
-time machines 
-high tech costumes 

3) What other genres are suggested by the trailer (e.g. horror)? Is Class an example of a modern hybrid-genre show?
Some genres that can be identified for example it has some aspects of horror. Also you can see that it is modern as its set in a high school which use the same resources as we do today.

 4) Class is a spin-off from Doctor Who. At what point does the character of the Doctor appear in the trailer?
The character of the Doctor appears at the start of the trailer.

5) Who do you think the target audience for Class is? Is this a typical target audience for the science-fiction genre? Give reasons for your answer.
I think that this series is mainly aimed towards 15-30 year olds. This is because it includes a lot of activities and dialogue known for people around that age group who are most likely watch a science fiction genre rather than any younger generation.

OSP Case Study 3: Zoella💕

 Language

1) Who is Zoella and why is she famous? How many subscribers does Zoella's YouTube channel have currently?
Zoella is a social media influencer, She's one of the biggest British female youtubers 

On her main channel she has 11.2 MILLION Subscribers 

On her vlogging channel she has 4.2 Million Subscribers.

2) What is convergence?

When two or more media forms meet in one e.g Zoella’s website where you can buy her book, read her Twitter feed, see her Instagram photos and buy her beauty products. 

3) What are Zoella's videos about? Find five video titles and write them here:

1.GRWM everyday festive glam

2.HUGE summer Primark haul

3.Brother does my makeup (shock edition)

4. Best of Beauty 2017

5.Huge American Haul (Ulta Beauty, Bath & BodyWorks, Glossier & Duane Reade)

4) What are the codes and conventions of vlogging videos?

-text on screen 
-props
-outakes
-jumpcuts 
-collaborations
-quirky background music
-casual clothing
-homely setting

5) How does Zoella use media language choices to create her online identity? Write about Zoella's use of mise-en-scene (CLAMPS) - particularly costume and make-up.

Zoella vlogs and videos are home setting, creating a comforting warm atmosphere for her young audience. Almost welcoming.
She also wears makeup to appeal/emphasise her brand in  beauy and also fashion.This allows her to live up to her brand.

Industries

1) How does Zoella make money? (You might want to read this Heatworld feature for more on this.)

-partnerships (Superdrug// beauty products made £1m in sales)
-advertising (YouTube// Pre-roll Ads) + (Website Ads- £4,000/month)
-sponsored social media posts (Instagram)
-books (ghostwritten- £100,000 advance and made £2m in sales)
-Vlog Tour (meet and greets)
-product placement (showcase products for companies- up to £20,000)
-At peak she made £443/hour

2) What is a digital influencer? Why is Zoella considered a digital influencer?

A digital influencer is someone who has influence over his or her followers and influencer marketing identifies these individuals in order to reach potential buyers.

Zoella is considered a digital influencer as she gets brand deals and her viewers will purchase what she speaks about 

3) Why do companies want to place their products in Zoella's videos?

They want to place their products in her videos in order to advertise them to her fan base. Most of her fan base see her as a beauty guru therefore any products that "she uses" will instantly prompt her viewers to buy it and try it out.

4) Why are YouTube collaborations so important for helping digital influencers like Zoella to grow?
Its important as both subscribes from each channel will stay tuned in and watch their videos.This results in them gaining more views creating more revenues and making more money.

5) How has Zoella moved into a more traditional media landscape in recent years? 

Zoe has published three books she has her own lush bath bomb that comes with "digital detox advice" which isn't something a modern youtuber would do. Also, as Zoella has become more successful, she has made more appearances in traditional media such as TV, newspapers and magazines (e,g- Loose Women)

Audience

1) Who is the target audience for Zoella's channel?

Zoellas target audience is teenagers as young as 13 up to adults in their 20s , People that are into beauty and fashion 

2) How are audiences encouraged to participate in or feel part of Zoella's brand? 

She uses phrases to really engage her viewers such as "who remembers that" and daily updates on her social media allows them to have access to her everyday life.

3) What audience pleasures are provided by Zoella's videos and associated products?

Diversion- Entertaining and light-hearted, YouTube videos (bite-sized chunks)
Surveillance- anxiety and mental health
Identity- experiences of teenage life (anxiety), content seeks to reflect mainstream lifestyle)
Relationships-Zoella and audience- mode od address is like talking to a friend, makes reference to long-term fans.

4) Applying Stuart Hall's Reception theory, what would a preferred and oppositional reading of Zoella?

Preferred (people who love Zoella):she's normal, down to earth girl who is just like her audience (gives good advice)
Oppositional (people who hate Zoella): they could hate her if they're are not into fashion or just find her annoying in general and ripping off her younger fans (book and advent calender for £50)
-caught driving and filming
-poor role model for women (all content is about her looks)

5) Why has Zoella been criticised by some people?
Ghostwriting and the above

Representations 

1) What is your opinion on this debate - is Zoella a positive role model for young women?

I believe that Zoella is a positive role model for young women because she's very open about controversial topics like teenage girls growing up, anxiety , cyberbullying which is usually dismissed by society.

2) What representations of women are provided by Zoella?

Zoella presents women as quite stereotypical in my opinion as her channel is very feminine. She has a conventional feminine life but you could argue that she's a self made celebrity with her own business and more subscribers than her boyfriend, Alfie Days which is quite empowering for females.

4) How does Zoella represent herself? Is this the real Zoe Suggs or a media construction designed to sell products?

Zoella represents herself as quite witty and exciting which could be her however I believe that she has reinforced this character to appeal to her audience more. Due to the fact that she still does similar videos to her old ones almost emphasises how she keeps maybe a small facade on to please her older audiences and almost support those with her brand loyalty.

5) What criticisms could be levelled at the representation of Zoella? 

A lot of controversy was created when Zoe posted an image of herself on snapchat, in bed wearing a light top and showing the edge of her knickers. This was noticed by many people in a negative way since her target audience is teenage girls, therefore some thought it was wrong of her since it may of resulted in those girls being persuaded and becoming more revealing just like the photo.

Videogames case study 2 - Kim Kardashian: Hollywood blog tasks💕

 Language

1) What is the objective when playing the Kim Kardashian: Hollywood game?

The aim of Kim Kardashian Hollywood is to work your way  up the celebrity scale from Z-List to A-List.

2) What is an A-list celebrity? Why is it important in Kim Kardashian: Hollywood?

An A-list celebrity is a celebrity that has the highest social status and is known to be the most popular, This is important in the game as if you become an A list celeb you can become friends with the kardashians on the game and become popular on the game.

3) How do you download the Kim Kardashian: Hollywood game?

You can download the game on the app store or Google Play store

4) What is the narrative or storyline of Kim Kardashian: Hollywood? Where is it set?

There are a range of locations in the game that try to mirror the stereotype of the celebrity lifestyle of an A-lister

Special Events are temporary goal arcs that are available only during Weekend Events in the game. By completing them, players can not only earn Cash Cash, XP XP, Energy Energy and Star Stars, but also Special Event stars.  These regularly happen and keep the game fresh.

5) What characters can you play as? What characters appear in the game?

The characters in Kim Kardashian Hollywood are a mixture of real VIP characters and fictional characters. 

Kim and the rest of the Kardashian / Jenner family appear in the game as well as celebrity friehnds.

Audience

1) What audience pleasures are provided by the game? Use Blumler & Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory.

-Relationships- "narrative- your own character/avatar" , "celebrity; playing with Kim Kardashian and friends"

-Diverson- "escapism- different/celebrity lifestyle" , "setting- LA/Hollywood" , "wealth and success- lifestyle"

-Surveillance/Information-  "kardashians and other friends + lifestyle"

2) Why is the game so addictive for audiences?

The game is addictive because there're levels and celebrities are put in categories/ status levels which makes the consumer want to play more.

4) Why does James Liu think Kim Kardashian: Hollywood is so successful?

-Branding. Kim is a major brand-name. Her star power gives the game a significant advantage. 
-Publishing. Glu Mobile is a publishing titan in the mobile world. They have a very large network of quality users that play their games. 
-Placement. Both Kim and Glu are powerful and trusted names. This gives them a significant advantage when approaching various store fronts like Apple or Google

5) What does James Liu suggest is the reason players keep coming back to the game?

-Frustration over the lack of energy. Most events require 1 more energy than you're given to complete in a sitting.
-Avatar customization in the form of virtual goods. Clothes, Sofas, Chairs, and even a new apartment. It fits in well with the theme.


Representations

1) What representations of women can be found in Kim Kardashian: Hollywood?

modelling , fashion , dating & being successful.

2) What representations of race, ethnicity or sexuality can be found in the game?

The players can customise their character according to how they want (skin colour, facial features and their own name)

3) How does the game both reinforce and subvert stereotypes in the media?

It reinforces stereotypes by focusing on women's appearance, modelling and dating as a way to be successful. Similarly, celebrity is represented as something to aspire to even without an obvious talent or ability. 
-It subverts stereotypes by including high status, female business representatives in the game

4) What does the game suggest regarding modern perceptions of celebrity and how to get famous?

It suggests that in today's society you become famous simply by knowing the right people and constantly promoting/attending events.

5) How might someone criticise the representation of celebrity in Kim Kardashian: Hollywood?

that women need to model and always look good and be in popular and expensive places to maintain a fun fancy lifestyle.

Industries

1) How much does Kim Kardashian: Hollywood cost?

The game is free to download however, it includes varies in-app purchases (monthly/weekly subscriptions)

2) How does the game make money?

The game is free to download but makes huge amounts of money from in-app purchases and subscriptions. Players need to buy energy to complete tasks (or wait 30 minutes for energy to replenish). 

3) What subscriptions are available to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood?

• Gold: 49.99 USD / month 
• Silver: 19.99 USD / month
• Bronze: 4.99 USD / month 

4) How was Kim Kardashian: Hollywood marketed and promoted?

It was promoted by social media and influencer's associated with the Kim K brand. Also, there is advertising that takes place withing the game (Twitter, Facebook etc) which broadens the platform of the game. They made a 31 second tv advert to also promote the game.

5) How does Kim Kardashian: Hollywood use media convergence to cross-promote the game and the Kardashian brand?

"Advertising appears in this game and may permit users to interact with one another (e.g., chat rooms, player to player chat, messaging) depending on the availability of these features. Linking to social networking sites are not intended for persons in violation of the applicable rules of such social networking sites." This initially shows how there are cross-promoted brands incorporated within the game (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)

Lara Croft Go CSP case study💕

Language

1) Who is Lara Croft and when did she first appear in a videogame?

Lara Croft first appeared in 1996 Eidos Playstation game Tomb Raider and was the first computer game to feature a female character as the protagonist rather than a supporting role or a secondary character.

2) What classic films influenced the creation of Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider games?

Indiana Jones

3) How has Lara Croft and Tomb Raider moved beyond just being a videogame?

Lara Croft has featured in films (the first starring Angelina Jolie; 2018 version rebooted the character). She has appeared on magazine covers more times than any supermodel.
There have been advertising tie-ins, merchandise, comic books and  spin-offs featuring the character. The franchise has had numerous incarnations before Lara Croft Go in 2015. 

4) What devices can you play Lara Croft Go on?

iOS, Android & Windows Phone WW : 27 August 2015 Microsoft Windows WW : 27 August 2015 WW : 4 December 2016 (Steam) PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita WW : 3 December 2016 macOS, Linux WW : 4 December 2016

5) What type of game is Lara Croft Go?

traditional Action Adventure elements its a puzzle based game

6) How does Lara Croft Go use narrative (storyline)?

The three-act narrative structure proceeds from an orientation stage through various complications and blockages to a simple resolution.

7) What iconography can be found in Lara Croft Go? How does this help communicate the sub-genre of videogame?

The narrative of Lara Croft Go is about a giant snake which is protecting the artefact that Lara is searching for and this snake chases her through the levels. There are three main stages to the gameplay

8) What other characters or enemies feature in the game?

Lara comes across (Lizards, Snakes, Spiders) and some of the collectables. There are not many different enemies as memory is key.  

9) What is the setting for Lara Croft Go? How does this compare to previous Lara Croft or Tomb Raider games?

Lara comes across (Lizards, Snakes, Spiders) and some of the collectables. There are not many different enemies as memory is key.

10) Read this BBC article on the history of Lara Croft and Tomb Raider. How has the character of Lara Croft evolved over the last 20 years?  
Over the years Lara has become less sexualised as her chest has became smaller even though they used to be larger and her clothes have become more practical than sexualised. Her morals have been expressed through her story and they focus on the narrative.

Audience

1) Why might an audience enjoy playing Lara Croft Go?

The audience gain pleasure since theyre in control of that path the game is heading in and the thinking section of the game may help to solve the puzzles logically. It's a mobile app therefore they'll have access to the game at all times. Also may enjoy playing Lara Croft Go for nostalgia of the other franchises.

2) Where and when might an audience play a game like Lara Croft Go? Think about the device it is played on and the times of the day someone might want to play the game.

Lara Croft Go can be played on mobile which means you can play anywhere at anytime if you have free time 

For students potentially playing on the way to school.

3) How did Square Enix design Lara Croft to make it appealing to an audience?

The use of isometric view deliberatly keeps it minimalistic and simple therefore it's appealing since there's not too much going on but the quality of animation and use of colour is still impacting, just not through an over the top display.

4) Which of Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory might apply to Lara Croft Go?

Lara Croft Go applies to social interatcion since the consumer may begin to have a carefull relationship with the character - not wanting her to die, makes them want to continue playing and try winning. 

5) Who is the target audience for Lara Croft Go? How does brand loyalty contribute to this target audience?
The target audience for Lara Croft Go is for mostly teen girls but some boys too. This is because it's a puzzle based game which intrests younger people, and the protagonist is a female therefore younger girls may play it more since they can look up to the character of Lara Croft. Brand loyalty contributes to the trget audience because people who've played Tomb Raider and Hitman Go may have a sense of Nostalgia once playing Lara Croft Go.

Representation

1) How are women usually represented in videogames?

Over the years women have been represnted in a more positve way. In later generations they were seen as less superior to men and obsessive over their appearance but fortunatley now they are represnted as role models who are independant and capable in doing anything.

2) How does the character of Lara Croft reinforce female stereotypes in the media?

Lara Croft is a strong, smart, independent character who's resilient in attempting levels that get harder. She's a female protagonist which reinforces stereotypes a lot because people are used to seeing male protagonists that are mostly heroes.

3) How does the character of Lara Croft subvert female stereotypes in the media?

4) Why do some people believe the videogames industry is sexist and needs to change?
Some people believe this because mostly men are protagonists

5) Do you think Lara Croft is an empowering feminist icon or just another objectified woman designed to appeal to male gamers?

I think Lara Croft is an empowering feminist icon because she subverts the stereotypes of men being protagonists and is a role model to the young generation of girls

Industries

1) What does PEGI stand for?

 Pan European Game Information 

2) What is PEGI's job?

European video game rating system established to help consumers make informed decisions when buying video games or apps through the use of age recommendations and content descriptors.

3) Which company created Lara Croft Go?

Square enex

4) What two popular videogame franchises were combined to create Lara Croft Go?

 Lara Croft Tomb Raider and the Hitman Go mobile game.

5) What else is part of the Lara Croft/Tomb Raider franchise?