Split Screens a Tale of Two Tinseltown - Book Report/Review Example

1. In your own words, explain the mains points of the article (should be at least 100 words, provide some detail) The first paper which was analyzed was entitled, “Split Screens: A Tale of Two Tinseltowns”. As such, the piece goes on to describe the recent dynamic which has been realized within the film industry with regards to the manner in which film profits have all but been drying up; whereas, television profits, oftentimes thought to be something of a lost cause, have continued to rise. The authors discuss many of the components of why such an incidence may be being realized and ultimately decide that this is due to the fact that the proliferation of media allows for consumers to have many alternatives with regards to entertaining themselves by going to the movies. 2. What questions would you ask the author (at least 2 questions) Firstly, I would like to know if there are any ideas regarding how such a trend might be reversed. Secondly, it would be interesting to find out if Hollywood has any plans to start offering direct streaming or direct to media alternatives due to the fact that the traditional means of movie releases have been so problematic of late. 3.Do you agree with the main premise of the reading? Why or why not? What evidence or personal experience would you offer to? With regards to understanding and agreeing with the article, it is my opinion that all of the points that the authors have discussed are valid and are being realized within the current system. One need not look very hard to see that the film industry is struggling both in terms of turnout to movies as well as in terms of total number of individuals attracted to the films offered. 4. What from the reading do you think we should discuss in class? (Either because you agree, disagree, or need clarification) I believe the most important aspect to discuss in class is not the bottom line of the movie industry but the effect that changing technology has had on the way in which people entertain themselves. Critical Analysis Worksheet Piece 2 Rui Deng 1. In your own words, explain the mains points of the article (should be at least 100 words, provide some detail) The second article entitled, “The Problem with Music” discusses the seedy underbelly of the music industry and the means by which less than scrupulous record companies and labels lie and cheat their way through the business cycle as they engage with bands and young talent. One of the most deceptive practices that is engaged besides the legal paperwork that is meant to remit almost all money to the label is the means by which the firms seek out young and seemingly innocuous agents to represent their interests to the bands. This deception is perpetrated so that the bands will be disarmed and charmed by the young individual that claims to represent their side of the deal; thereby making these shareholders more receptive to signing a contract that does not represent their best interests. 2. What questions would you ask the author (at least 2 questions) To what extent have independent labels had with regards to reducing the unethical and borderline illegal activities that have been described in the article? Due to the illegal activities and legal trip wires that these labels employ, are there not an exceedingly high number of lawsuits that reduce their profitability as compared to if they merely behaved in an ethical manner? 3. Do you agree with the main premise of the reading? Why or why not? What evidence or personal experience would you offer to? As a young person who has watched more than my fair share of VH1’s Behind the Music, I can say that the article in question did not bring up any new material within my mind that ultimately shocked me. The practice of taking advantage of the naiveté and youth of the talented individuals that drive the industry is an old tactic that has been employed since the birth of modern recording and the music industry. 4. What from the reading do you think we should discuss in class? (Either because you agree, disagree, or need clarification) What is of most interest with regards to the means by which the record industry continues to perpetrate such a scam is trying to alert the shareholders in the process that such tactics exist and are continuously employed. By seeking to get the word out to the affected and talented musicians, the degree to which the same old scams can work in the future would be greatly diminished. 1. In your own words, explain the mains points of the article (should be at least 100 words, provide some detail) The main point of this final article is discussing the fact that although we may oftentimes be tempted to view Hollywood, the music industry, or the entertainment industry in general as something of a monolithic entity, the fact of the matter is that it is composed of a variety of people; people whose attitudes are not constant and who cannot be judged based merely upon the industry that they are in and the actions that many of them might be engaging upon. Moreover, the analysis breaks down some of these different groups based upon their role within the system so that the reader/researcher might have a more appropriate feel for the means by which these players engage within the larger context of the entertainment industry. 2. What questions would you ask the author (at least 2 questions) To what extent would it be feasible for certain members within the entertainment industry to effect a systemic change? For how much longer do you expect the industry to behave and look in the very same way that it has for the past several decades; is the current course predictable? 3. Do you agree with the main premise of the reading? Why or why not? What evidence or personal experience would you offer to? Yes, the author lays out a convincing case; however, what is left for the reader to understand is what amounts of change will likely be affected to this industry within the coming years. Although this is of course speculator, it would have been nice for the writer to touch upon this as a means of laying out the way in which the industry will ultimately integrate with market changes and the current times in which we live. 4. What from the reading do you think we should discuss in class? (Either because you agree, disagree, or need clarification) What should be discussed is the fact that the industry, although somewhat different, still operates in almost an identical way to the means by which it did during the time of the Beatles. As such, it is important for the student to integrate technology and societal changes to seek to understand for how much longer such a business plan is not only profitable but realistic. Read More