Category Archives: Assessments

wk6  Media  is a form of research

This week we discussed collaboration.

Collaboration-SLIDES-1z0gh6m (here are the notes that were shown on the board in the lecture).

For our next Media 1 project, we are doing a lot of collaboration and therefore it was important to discuss as we head into Project 4. It made me think about the fact that there is a whole lot of collaboration in the media world, especially in the area of field that I want to pursue.

wk5  Media collaborates [Easter Break – split week, no classes  Thur 2 April- Wed 8 April

There was not enough time in this lecture to discuss media collaborates, however we did discuss Project Brief 3:

• – combining two ‘traditions’: Portrait + Found Footage
• What is found footage?
• – ‘pre-existing film footage appropriated by a filmmaker and used in a way that was not originally intended.’
• – Earliest examples are avant-garde experiemental (1920s); revival in 1950s New American cinema
• – Affecting by technological developments – e.g. video then digitalisation… means that ‘found footage’ has an evolving meaning.

We then learnt about reading Academic Writing

Practical steps:

– Download and print the article

– Write notes and highlight as you go

– Don’t just start reading from the beginning… to ‘read’ academic writing requires a different strategy i.e. reading key sections (abstract, intro, conclusion); looking at structure… before plunging in to a beginning to end read.

– Skimming is a legitimate part of doing it ‘properly’.

Goals in terms of ‘successful’ reading:

– a brief summary of the main ideas of the text

– an evaluation of the text (strengths and limitations)

– commentary on its relevance for your purpose (e.g. background research on an essay topic OR creative inspiration for a creative/technical skill you are developing).

This lecture was incredibly helpful as it enabled me to learn more about how to do well in University rather than teaching us about the media itself. It was not a normal lecture but it was a good one.

/ Up and Away /

I have created a self portrait which I believe shows my love of travel, singing, sport and celebrities.

I have also included some inspirational text that I have written myself, reflecting perhaps the fact that people always tell me that they live “vicariously through me”. I sort of love this concept as I have many idols myself, and the fact that others perhaps ‘admire’ me, makes me feel incredibly proud of myself at this point in my life.

Sound is one of my favourite elements in film and I have chosen to use sounds that I think show what I love – including singing. Obviously I had to be careful of copyright laws so I decided to record myself doing some humming random notes in the shower (a place where I sing all the time). I have also recorded crowds as I love the idea of fame as well as also being outside, experiencing nightlife but I love meeting others.

The portrait begins with an image of an aircraft landing as if to say that I am landing in order to tell people a little about myself. However over the top of the portrait is an element of metaphoric in terms of the plane being used as a symbol of inspiration (a way of getting in and out of situations). This highlights my love of travel as well as highlighting the fact that I do follow inspirational quotes in order to make the most of all of my experiences. Throughout the film, there are parts where I talk about “hitting turbulence” again reiterating the idea of aircraft and travel. The film ends with an aeroplane taking off which I believe represents my life and the fact that it is only just starting and taking off into full flight.

I have also included images and video that reflect me as a person. For example I am often seen throwing pieces of paper into bins because I love sport and always want to be doing something other than sitting still.

I have experimented with the time lapse app on my iPad. I used it to time lapse a clock ticking to show that life for me goes by quite quickly, so I try and make the most of it.

wk2  Media is not a ‘thing’ out there [but rather a place we inhabit]

In this lecture, we were required to get into small groups and head outside into ‘the real world’ and investigate media use all around us. The purpose of this activity was to make us more aware of media and its use within today’s society – something that in my opinion is often overlooked. I found this activity incredibly insightful as it allowed me to become more aware of my surroundings and become aware of the way people interact with ‘the media’ within their every day lives. For example there were advertisements on Melbourne Central for the film ‘Focus’ featuring Margot Robbie and Will Smith but on the other hand there were brochures in the state library advertising up and coming exhibitions. There was a great amount of technology use (mainly dominated by Apple products like iPhones, iPads and Macbooks).

• “The media are no so much ‘things’ as places which most of us inhabit, which weave in and out of our lives. Their constant messages and pleasures seem to flow around and through us, and they immerse most of our waking lives”.                   Branston and Stafford 2010, The Media Student’s book, 5^th, NY: Rout Ledge.

Pre-modern vs. Modern society (also a question of authenticity – debates about mediated vs. unmediated communication)

Pre-modern Society

Social world predominately experienced through:

– Face to fact interactions

– Direct experiences

Modern Society

Predominately through media/texts

– maps, books, newspapers…