Identify how media products from your case study make links with other media platforms. What are the reasons for these links?

The two case studies I have been looking into are 'Life As We Know It' and 'The Back-Up Plan' (2010). These films are on a broadcast platform however they have used other platforms such as e-media and print to advertise and promote their films.
Firstly the film 'Life As We Know It' has it's own official website where it offers the audience the chance to look at information about the film, characters, video clips, photos and downloads, this gives them the opportunity to get extra information and it offers the film a chance to get their film advertised to a wider audience through viewers. Whereas 'The Back-Up Plan' does not offer an official website, this is because it is a much smaller institution that has made the film therefore they did not have as much money to promote it and in turn it was not as successful. According to the Uses & Gratifications Theory the website offers the audience surveillance, diversion and social interaction.
Also both the films have used forms of Social Networking on an e-media platform, such as Facebook, 'Life As We Know It' has over 590,000 likes while 'The Back-Up Plan' has over 200,000 likes. This shows how much more successful the first film was due to the attention through social networking, the benefit of this form of advertisement is that a wide audience can access it as people on different levels of socio-economics are likely to have Facebook. Almost all films will have a Facebook page now due to the high demand of people using it and the chance to put across opinions and get extra inside information on a more personal level. Also 'The Back-Up Plan' has it's own Twitter page with 2000 followers however the page looks fan-made opposed to something put in place by the institution, the page has also not been updated for a year and only includes scene clips and basic information about release dates. However 'Life As We Know It' does not have it's own Twitter page but on it's official webpage it offers a link to Twitter to the institution's page with over 430,000 followers, so at the moment it is promoting it's most recent film (The Hobbit) and is not specifically tailored to one film.
Many fans have created forums, websites and YouTube Videos dedicated to these films to express their opinions and communicate with other fans, this is used as diversion and social interaction according to the Uses & Gratifications Theory, it also prolongs the advertisement for the film which is a good tool of branding for the institution. Many people make YouTube videos about the film, they will often be appreciation towards the actors or a critics review about it, 'mctventertainment' is an account holder who has uploaded their personal view of the film but also interviews with the cast which is a good way of social interaction with other fans but also personal identification for people who want to listen to the review. Sometimes film institutions will upload their own interviews, behind the scenes and bloopers or cut out scenes from the film, this gives the audience a more personal way of connecting with the film and it can be an ideal way of the institution getting people to share their videos through social networking such as Facebook and Twitter.
Finally these films are linked to Print Media, an older form of advertisement now-a-days but still common through posters on magazines and newspapers. Some magazines are specifically tailored for films such as Empire and Total Film, they will offer the audience many advertisement posters for different films therefore print media is a very important factor for these magazines. They will often include their own reviews on the film and interviews with the cast and director, this is mainly for large box office movies as they are the most popular and the one's the audience want to read about. All these links will help a film advertise however as to how well they do is often dependent on the audience and their response and this in turn will decide whether the film is going to be a success.

Identify how media products from your case study make links with other media platforms, what are the reasons for these links?

Identify how media products from your case study make links with other media platforms, what are the reasons for these links? (32 marks)

In your answer you should:

• consider possible links such as targeting audiences, promotion and revenue generation 
• support your answer with reference to a range of examples from three media platforms 
• Print - Advertisement in the form of posters. Fanforums and fiction 
• E-Media - YouTube fanmade videos, Social Networking on Twitter & Facebook
• Website includes Trailer, similar style and consistent images to Poster and Film 

1. Twitter and facebook pages that allow them to target audiences and engage opinions and communicate with fans. Beneficial for institution and audince. (EXAMPLE) 
2. Fan made Twitter pages about characters (EXAMPLE) 
3. official website that can be used for surveillence or social interaction.(EXAMPLE) 
4. films need to be brands and the website can help out with this. 
5. Videos that fans make can help the institution to advertise the film.(EXAMPLE) 
6. Fan made websites (EXAMPLE) 
7. Film reviews - beneificial to A and to I so they can have feedback. Range of opinions. Website (EXAMPLE) Magazines (EXAMPLE) 
8. Some websites might have character profiles (EXAMPLE) 
9. Links within broadcast too, for example podcasts (EXAMPLE) 
10. Chat forums (EXAMPLE) 
11. Trends on twitter (EXAMPLE) 
12. Marketing and actually making the audience go and do things (EXAMPLE) 
13. Buy merchandise (EXAMPLE) 
14. Posters (EXAMPLE) 
15. Games - online gaming or separate games on consoles (EXAMPLE) 
16. Buy albums of the film soundtracks (EXAMPLE) 

Google Chrome Analysis | Coffee Advert

How does this advert engage the audience?

Firstly the music that is used in the advert is not particularly upbeat and it is non-diegetic, however it still will catch the audiences attention because the first lyric is "Sorry about those things I said before" this is immediately going to pique their interest into what is happening also the video on screen is someone's writing who we assume is the person that feels bad about what they've done therefore the song and what is being shown are connected and make us want to continue watching to find out more information. Secondly the use of the audience being shown the 'reasons to say yes' means that they are a part of the journey that these two people have been through, therefore we become more attached to the idea of this couple getting back together and some people may personally identify with their situation. The first image that is shown is about why the boyfriend "messed up their first date", it shows a 'Taco Tent' which is going to add an element of comedy and light-heartedness to the advert however the next section is a clip of them on a roller coaster ride with the title "our second date was perfect" , this will make people feel more sorry for what has happened and again re-enforces the idea of becoming attached to these people before the advert has really got going. The main reason people are engaged by this advert is the fact we get to look back on all their memories in the hope that she will agree and they can get back together, we are shown all their previous pictures and clips which is more personal than writing such as a diary of events, especially in the last few we see them together being affectionate and this may make people feel opinionated about what the girl should do, in turn this makes us think about how it's been made; through Google Chrome and we're intrigued as to how it can be used to keep hold of images or memories.

What is communicated about Google Chrome is this advert?

From the idea of what is being shown in the advert, Google Chrome are communicating that it can be used for a variety of things and not just basic searching but it can be a platform for more personal memories that can be tied together over time, this tells us that Google Chrome is reliable and trustworthy to keep hold of images and memories but also that it can help with the more personal things such as helping with love and dating. Also according to Propps Theory we are shown that the possible ex-boyfriend is becoming the hero, the girl is the princess and Google Chrome is the helper, as it is enhancing what the hero is trying to do through the couples pictures and history. This advert will appeal to a lot of people as the images and videos are connected to places on Google Maps as well which means that they can remember where certain pictures were taken and keep them on Google Chrome, like a photo album.

How is the internet represented in this advert?

In this advert the internet is represented to be a very positive thing, however it doesn't show too much of the possible resources it offers as it mainly sticks to Images, Videos, Google Maps & Translator. However this is going to appeal to people who like to have everything in one place and want something that can keep a hold of memories in the form of images and videos also it's possible to link it to things such as Google Maps which will give people the opportunity of entering a location. Also the internet is shown to be a tool that can be helpful for putting things together such as this video and helping with personal relationships therefore it doesn't appear as cold and just a simple search engine, it comes across as an optimistic and innocent resource.

Favourite Advert 2012

Own Interview | Katherine Heigl on Life As We Know It

Katherine Heigl speaks working with Josh Duhamel, beginning Motherhood and promoting her new film: Life As We Know It

Glamour: Life As We Know It is your most recent up and coming film - what was it like working with Josh Duhamel?

Katherine: It was such a good experience, he's like the perfect leading man, you see this guy who is so good-looking and it's hard to overlook completely but he's worked his way up through modelling, soaps, TV and to movies and I was really urging him into that role.

    G: You've recently become a first-time Mum, how is that especially being so similar to the plot in your new film?

    K: When Naleigh came along I was working on Life as We Know It,  it was crazy, because as my character was learning how to take care of a one-year-old, after being obliged as a Godparent to take care of the child of her deceased friends, I was getting used to being a Mum to my adopted daughter.

G: We love seeing you in Romcoms, how was it being in a slightly more serious version of this?

K: For me, I love romantic comedies but I also love films that are able to twist and tweak that slightly. In Life As We Know It the death of the parents, when I read the script initially, took me by surprise and I think it does the same when you actually watch the film. But this film allows for sad times and happy times and that's the authenticity I look for in a movie, something that feels real.

G: At the same time though it's quite a polished world, like I know no-one with a bakery that looks as perfect as yours in the film so in that sense it's got that look of romantic comedies going for it?

K: Absolutely, however there is balance, like with the way they communicate or fight, those are the real moments. I hope there's a real connection between the characters! There's no doubt there's a heightened world around it, we knew we were going to spend the majority of time in that house so we tried to keep it spacious so there was room for the camera to move and develop the story through a character.

G: So how did you get comfortable with the 'Sophie' babies?

K: I took control! No, thankfully I just had gotten familiar with comforting a child, so I kinda do the mothering instinct thing a little bit, but it was still very new to me. We had to do a lot of breathing exercises on set just to stay calm when the babies got cranky or tired and cried! I had to be a bit cold with them, so they didn't like me as much but at least I had one in my trailer who did!

G: In one scene, your character has to deal with a rather messy nappy changing of Sophie, was that anything similar to your own experiences?

K: In the beginning when they're little, it's not that bad, definitely not as bad as it's portrayed in the film, I've never managed to get it on my face!

G: And finally, what's up next for you after Life As We Know It?

K: I'm going to be promoting my new film One For The Money about an unemployed and newly divorced woman who lands a job at her cousins bail-bond business, where her first assignment puts her on the trail of a wanted local cop from her romantic past. And then I will be beginning work on a film called The Big Wedding which I can't say too much about yet! 

Make sure you catch Katherine Heigl's new film Life As We Know It coming out on October 2nd!


I used an interview style of writing for my article as I thought it was similar to the one I chose from the Glamour homepage and it's also a more casual way of getting information from an actor/actress. This works well because it gives the article a more 'real' feel as it's not scripted and can be spontaneous while also getting factual information from the actress.

Anna Kendrick Interview: End Of Watch Film

Anna Kendrick talks working with Jake Gyllenhaal, style secrets and girls' nights in with GLAMOUR.com as she promotes amazing new movie End Of Watch

GLAMOUR.COM End Of Watch is a real edge-of-your-seat film - did you know as soon as you read the script that you would have to be involved with it?ANNA KENDRICK: Yeah, you know it's funny, even with really good scripts I find that I end up moving around the house a lot and in between scenes I'll make myself a coffee, you know, fidget and this one was really unique in that the second that I started reading it I was pinned to the spot where I started reading it, and stayed there the entire time, it was such a page turner. It was so exciting and so different and yeah, I basically called my agent immediately and was really excited about getting involved.
G: There are a lot of action scenes, but Janet's story really gives it grounding, especially in the scene when you're recording a message for Jake's character, how much was that improvised?A: It was an interesting process because we had a lot of freedom, and David encouraged us to which added to the realism of the film but what ended up in the movie was at least 90% his words, you know, it was such a tight script and so well-written, we found more and more that it could exist just exactly as it was on paper, and, yeah, there were little moments that he added here and there, but that monologue in front of the camera, was, believe it or not, all written by big, tough David.
G: How important do you think Janet's story is to the film?A: I mean definitely, I felt a tremendous sense of responsibility for grounding the world that these men exist in, because that's what was part of the appeal when I read the script and that was something I said to my agent, I remember reading the script, normally playing the wife or girlfriend wouldn't be interesting, but in the context of this film they really give so much heart to these men and it makes it feel like these men aren't just a badge, or a number or a statistic, you know, they don't exist in a vacuum, they're really putting families on the line and their lives on the line.
G: Having said all that, was it really manly on set?A: Yeah, I think so. But weirdly Jake and Michael and David are such gentlemen at heart that they were so on their best behaviour when the women were around, so it was a nice combination of both. They were definitely this beautiful little boys club, but at the same time they were really concerned about making sure that Natalie and I were comfortable and had everything we needed, it was really sweet.
G: What was it like working closely with Jake?A: He's incredible, I think he really has a knack for understanding other actors and what they need and he's incredibly supportive and he was really protective of me on set and you know in this lovely way, where life kind of imitates art, the first scene I shot with him was the scene when I meet his friends for the first time and it really felt like I was meeting my boyfriend's friends because they had been working together for a really long time and I really felt like I had to prove myself to them, and at the same time Jake felt like he really had to watch out for me so, yeah, it was really lovely.
G: When you're portraying a relationship like that, a relationship in the early days, how do you rehearse for something like that, how did you go about that with Jake?A: Um, actually our rehearsal period was really unique and perfect. David wrote a scene that we never intended to shoot for the movie that was our first date, and how we met and we rehearsed that scene over and over again even though we never planned to shoot. And so then it felt everything moving forward had a real timeline and a real base of reality.

G: They should have included that in the film!A: I know! It was just one of those things where everything had to be based more or less around Sam's footage so there was no way that we could have recorded the first date without Sam freaking out!
G: How do you think Michael and Jake keep the audience on their side? Because even though they're the good guys of the film they do some pretty questionable things.A: Absolutely, but I think that's exactly part of it,  first of all, their chemistry is amazing and they really show how much they believe in doing the right thing and I think that puts you on their side. But I think that they make mistakes and they make decisions that are little questionable every now and then makes you feel for them because you realise that they're not perfect, it really humanizes them.

G: There's an amazing dance scene at Brian's and Janet's wedding, was that fun to film?A: Yeah, it was kinda fun, it was little embarrassing but it was pretty fun. But Jake was so reluctant to do it, and so grumpy about it that I felt like I had to rally and be, like, the Mom who's like 'Come on, it'll be fun! I'll give you a snack afterwards if you do it!"
G: Well he looks like he's having a great time, so you did a good job…A: Well, yeah, he's a great actor!
G: What do you want people to take fromEnd Of Watch, what did you take from the film watching it completed?A :It obviously takes place in the world of the LAPD and the stuff that they come up against every day but I think it's about family, it's about who you choose to surround yourself with and it's the family you choose as an adult, you know, it's a universal theme.
G: So, we're excited about the last Twilight film coming out - is it weird that you're not in this one for the first time?A: More than anything, I feel like I'm just excited to see the movie, I didn't have that little window into what it was going to be, I wasn't on set for any of those days so I'm really psyched to see the movie.
G: So you'll be watching this one as more of a fan?A: Oh, absolutely.
G: When it comes to this side of promoting a film do you enjoy the premiers and getting dressed up for it?A: It's funny, it's kind of a pain in the butt and it's a little stressful, you try and wear the right things and look your best, and it's always a little bit of pressure. But with this one, it was weirdly kind of nice, Jake's so nice and he's so sensitive to women so like every time America Ferrera, Cody Horn, Natalie Martinez and I would show up for a premier he would be amazed that we would look so beautiful and complimenting us. He's really good about it, he's one of those guys that you're like, 'Your Mom raised you right'. So this one was weirdly fun because Jake and Michael were so impressed that we scrubbed up so nicely.
G: You've worn some amazing dresses over the years, what are your style rules when it comes to dressing up for the red carpet or do you just put your trust in the stylist?A: I guess I like having somebody there to push me out of my comfort zone because it was left to me I would just wear little black dresses all the time, so I definitely have opinions but I like having someone there I trust  to say every now and again, you can wear a long dress or you can wear something with no back, and we will manage to find a bra that will fit that, it's going to be okay.
G: What advice would you give to petite girls?A: I guess the thing I've learnt from starting this whole red carpet stuff, is that everything you buy you should get tailored. Which is really annoying but I never knew what a big difference it made, I always thought things fit me but then I tried something on that actually fit and was like, 'oh no'! So, yeah, I mean I am tiny, I am 5'2, so I think getting stuff tailored is a thing, like getting sleeves taken in, I never knew was a thing that people did. So, yeah, that's been a learning curve.
G: Do you have a style icon?A: Kate Blanchet, I think there's never a moment where she doesn't look like the coolest person on the planet.
G: What does your beauty regime consist of? If you were going to have a girls pampering night in, what would you do?A: I got this Arcona Wine hydrating mask, and I always have extra pairs of really fuzzy slippers around so if friends come over, they can slip those on.
G: And what's up next for you, after End of Watch?A: Pitch Perfect comes out in, I think, December in the UK and that's like this crazy acapella movie I did, and then after that I filmed a comedy with Miles Teller and Bryan Cranston called Get a Job and then I did an improv movie called Drinking Buddies with Olivia Wilde with Ron Livingston and Jake Johnson. 

End Of Watch is out 23 November 2012, watch the trailer below:

How far have improvements in technology made a difference to the quality of audience experience?

Media production has increased throughout the twentieth century to give audiences the opportunity to experience stories told in a range of media: cinema, television, magazines and on the internet and the task of attracting audiences to see films at the cinema has not become easier, but arguably, more difficult with so much competition.

The daily newspapers are an important source of information about new films and film stars. The tabloid press can be generally relied upon to reveal any particularly interesting gossip about stars or directors. The audience can be persuaded against a film by reviews or criticism/gossip about stars in exactly the same way that they can be swayed to go and see it. Nevertheless, magazines that make the reviewing of films and their stars a central focus are a vital source of distribution for film makers. Also the internet has become a powerful, new marketing tool for film distributors as it is in the film industry’s interests to use new technology to generate interest in stars and films. Social Networking is a technology that provides the potential for ordinary fans, audiences and web-surfers to create their own kinds of interest. The film industry attempts to control the image of a star we, the audience, are given. In all publicity there is careful attention paid to how the star is to be represented to audiences. It does not have control, however, on how fans/audiences re-interpret and re-represent that information themselves in things such as reviews or fan sites. As for audiences watching a film they now have more options at the cinema when a film is first being shown such as 3D, 2D and Imax, this creates a different type of experience that is more appealing to a lot of people also at home there are more options such as HD and 3D TV’s that are more less expensive but higher tech. this means that people can have this cinema experience in the comfort of their own home.

Fan Sites | Life As We Know It & The Back-Up Plan

Life As We Know It Fan Site:

http://www.fanpop.com/spots/life-as-we-know-it

FanPop polls completed by film viewers and fans:

Comments from FanPop Site:

"Beautiful movie, dealing with some delicate subjects. Quite predictable however still heart warming and fun! Extremely nice eye candy with Josh Duhamel!!"

"I'm in love with this film, it's amazing!"

"Suprisingly, despite it's typical Hollywood RomCom aspirations, I had a lot of fun with this, and it was all the better for being totally unexpected, Katherine Heigl is just marvelous!"

The Back-Up Plan Fan Site:

http://www.fanpop.com/spots/the-back-up-plan

FanPop  Polls completed by film viewers and fans:

The Back-Up Plan Fan Forum:

http://www.fanforum.com/f14/back-up-plan-jennifer-lopez-alex-oloughlin-62948615/

Comments from Fan Forum:

"I can't wait for this movie! It looks cute, plus I'm a sucker for a Jennifer Lopez RomCom and Alex O'Loughlin is gorgeous!"

"It does look really cute! I've been waiting for a cute movie likes this. I love how uncomplicated and magical life is for people in RomComs!"

"It has to be the most cliche romance love story I have ever watched, but then again I love movies like that! And it was so fun seeing Alex in another role! I've never been a huge fan of Jennifer Lopez when she sings but as an actress, I really like her and they had such great chemistry!"

"I just can't stop watching this movie! I have watched it over 5 times, I like how the movie fits in the reality so much,  a lot of the funny situations are similar to what happens in reality and the more I watch this movie the more I want to watch the sequel! The movie needs a sequel, I want to know what happens next!!!"

User Generated Content | Life As We Know It & The Back-Up Plan

Life As We Know It Trailer:

Comments and Reviews:

"You should watch the whole movie, and then say if it sucks or not, it's just an advice, cause it's one of the best movies I've ever watched. The best movie ever, for me, has the worst trailer ever and still, when you watch it whole you find out how it really is."

 "I love this movie! It's funny and romantic at the same time. I hope they make a second movie!"

"This is the best movie in the whole world. It just makes me want to cry, it's perfect, I love Katherine heigl soo much she makes the movie!she's so pretty! I wish I can meet her too its not fair, she has inspired me so much to be who I want to be when I'm older I'm only 13 and I AM going to be an actress when I'm older no matter how much work it takes I am never giving up just because Katherine heigl inspired me so much"

"One of the best movies I've ever seen. The relationship and family they form is perfection."

The Back-Up Plan Trailer:

Comments and Reviews:

"This movie is just so awesome! I watched it earlier today! :) JLo was just super duper funny! Especially the part where she tries to get in the taxi."

"This movie looks absolutely hilarious!! I can hardly wait to see it!!!"

"It looks like everything we needed to see is in the trailer. It gave way too much away and judging from the trailer, the ending is 99% predictable."

"This looks like a very funny movie and I can't wait to see it! Love Alex and I've always like Jen's movies. Alex has some of his own that are great! I sure hope this does well @ the box office!"

User Generated Content - Fan trailer for Alex O'Loughlin

Film Case Study | Life As We Know It & The Back-Up Plan