TIME To Go To The Video, Please

TIME Inc., the publishing arm of Time Warner, is adding video studios to the operations for 130 magazines as the brass there sees the future in online video. Sounds like we'll have all these micro-niche channels catering to psychographics online.

This announcement comes a few days after the New York Times publisher publicly wondered if he'd even be publishing the newspaper in five years. That came just a few days after the NY Times announced it was starting up it's own attempt to mirror the YouTube craze of capitalizing on user created video. The Times will add it's own version of embedded video files users post and send.

On top of that an Advertising.com study claims two-thirds of all web users are using streaming video at least once a week. I'm telling you the future of media is connected with user created content and that content includes video. That includes documentaries, guys! Ironic that you're reading about old media like newspaper, magazines and books right now in class and this stuff makes it into the news this week.

What is a documentary?

Mass Comm Assignment
Definging The Documentary

What is a documentary? According to the Film Dictionary (Steve Blandford, Barry Keith Grant, and Jim Hillier) it's "(A)ny film practice that has as its subject persons, events, or situations that exist outside the film in the real world."

How should we describe a “documentary" for the group project in this course?” How are our interpretations defined? Can the documentary definition include reality television programming, experimental films, broadcast news stories, etc.? What is the purpose of a documentary? Who watches documentaries? This assignment requires you to add to the pictures in your head of what defines a documentary. Watch examples on Current TV. How is new media changing the genre? Explore resources available in Audio Visual Services. Reflect on the programs you have watched for this cluster. Consult the experts in this domain. Even consider professional organizations like the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Develop a new definition of a documentary in a brief paper due by the beginning of class on Tuesday, February 17 (BLOG ENTRY) or February 20 (paper). How should we define documentaries for this course? What elements should documentaries possess? What principles should guide us in analyzing such programs? Your paper must offer thoughtful, specific examples to back up your position. You should quote authorities and attribute your research. You can analyze a long format documentary or explore a number of shorter programs from online sources. Please consider elements such as narration (or lack of), point of view, use of music or how events and sequences are edited. You can refer to techniques and styles used by specific documentaries. Your paper or blog entry should present a thoughtful, well organized and sourced argument for what you define as a documentary.

Who makes documentaries?

Anyone can. Even former vice presidents like Al Gore can make a documentary.

You're Now a TV Critic

Mass Comm Assignment
Assignment Deadline: Thursday, February 8
Reviewing a Television Show: "30 Days" on FX
You start your new job by writing a review of the reality series “30 Days.” The episode you will watch is ‘Immigration.” Please frame your review with the following complaints in mind:

• “There’s nothing good on television.”
• “Reality shows are lame with contrived narratives populated by characters the producers exploit by perpetuating worn out stereotypes.”

You can agree, disagree or use another issue concerning reality television for framing your review. As you watch the episode, take notes. Snag quotes you can use in your review. The review should run 500 to 700 words. You can write the review in essay style or as a newspaper column or magazine article. You will also need to bring yourself up to speed on the immigration debate. You must know what you’re writing about.

“30 Days” is a program that airs on FX during the summer as an original reality series. It airs at 10 o’clock against hour long dramas on the major networks. You’ll also want to learn a bit about the show for credibility. Who is Morgan Spurlock? Why does he have a TV show? Why is “30 Days” a documentary/reality show? What have other episodes been about? Why is it on FX?

Your review will summarize the best and worst of the episode. You will critique the producers’ efforts to inform, entertain or persuade. Address the effectiveness of the episode. Is it worth watching? Of course you must support your position as the episode is now included in the Season Two DVD set of “30 Days.” In addition you must address the issues of stereotypes, agenda-setting, gatekeeping and effectively apply Walter Lippman in your efforts (a quote would be nice).

Here’s a nuts and bolts guide to writing a review. A good review, like a story has a beginning, middle and ending.

• Identify the title, episode and talent/producer of the program and genre (type of program) and target audience.
• What’s the episode’s purpose and how is it achieved or missed?
• Summarize of the episode, but don’t give it all away.
• What are the main themes of the episode? Address each theme in its own paragraph.
• Identify key characters. Be descriptive with characters, settings and situations.
• Use quotes from the episode to underscore points you make your review.
• How did you react to the show? Did it keep your interest? Was it important or useful?
• Why should people invest their time in the episode?
• How would you grade or rate it.
• Write in your style/voice—edit your copy—rewrite. Proper spelling and grammar apply.
• Draft a compelling headline for your column.