The New Audience: Henry Jenkins

Summary

This insightful exploration of cinema’s past and future emphasizes the evolving relationship between film and its audience. The speaker traces cinema’s journey from early immersive experiences in traveling shows to today’s diverse, multi-platform media. Highlighting the participatory role of audiences—from fan clubs to DIY filmmaking—the speaker foresees a future where cinema becomes a dynamic, transmedia experience. Advances in technology, such as virtual reality and 4D, promise to further immerse viewers. Ultimately, the future of film lies in a participatory, multi-sensory experience, where the audience not only watches but helps create and share the story across platforms.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cinema's death has been greatly exaggerated; there are no dead media, only dead technologies and practices.
• 🎬 Early cinema was experienced as short, spectacular moments, often combined with other live performances such as acrobats and comedians.
• 🎥 Movie palaces of the 1920s and 1930s became immersive venues, offering films alongside live entertainment, restaurants, and more.
• 🚗 Drive-in theaters became a popular form of movie-going in the 1950s, offering an outdoor, private experience.
• 📱 Today, we continue exploring new ways to experience cinema, including secret screenings and immersive events like live orchestras accompanying films.
• 🎧 Immersive cinema technologies such as surround sound, 3D, 4D, and VR are pushing the boundaries of the movie-watching experience.
• 🏠 Home movie-watching technologies like VHS, DVDs, and streaming have evolved, with some home theaters rivaling commercial cinemas.
• 💡 Audience participation has been part of cinema since its early days, with fans interacting with films and stars through activities like fan clubs and autograph lines.
• 👗 Modern cinema fandom includes cosplay, fan fiction, and crowdfunding, allowing audiences to create and influence content.
• 🌐 The future of cinema will be a transmedia experience, where storytelling extends across multiple platforms (films, video games, comics, etc.).

Q & A

What is the main message the speaker wants to convey in this talk?

The speaker wants to emphasize that the idea of the 'death of cinema' is greatly exaggerated. Cinema, like other media, is not dead but has evolved and continues to thrive in various forms, experiences, and platforms.

How does the speaker describe the early days of cinema?

In the early days, cinema was experienced in a variety of ways: as part of vaudeville shows with other performances, in traveling tent shows, or in amusement parks with immersive rides. Cinema was often presented as short, spectacular moments rather than full stories.

What role did the audience play in the early cinema experiences?

The audience was an active participant in the cinema experience. In some early theaters, a person who spoke English would narrate the film to the crowd in multiple languages, making the audience part of the show.

How did movie theaters evolve by the late 1920s?

By the late 1920s, movie theaters became part of larger entertainment complexes known as 'movie palaces.' These included additional amenities like nightclubs, bowling alleys, restaurants, and daycare centers, providing a full-day entertainment experience.

What unique cinematic experience was introduced by drive-in theaters in the 1950s?

Drive-in theaters allowed people to watch movies in the privacy of their own cars, catering to the suburban car culture. This was a unique way to experience cinema outdoors, contributing to the diversity of movie-watching experiences.

What does the speaker say about the future of cinema?

The future of cinema will involve diverse exhibition experiences, both public and private. Films will be experienced in various venues, not just traditional theaters, and through devices like smartphones. Movies will continue to be event-driven but will also be available on-demand in various formats.

What role does participatory culture play in the history of cinema?

From the early days of cinema, audiences have been encouraged to participate actively, such as through fan clubs, Saturday matinees, and performances. This participatory culture continued into the 70s and 80s with events like the midnight screenings of *Rocky Horror Picture Show*, and it remains vital today through cosplay, fanfiction, and crowd-funded projects.

How have fans been involved with cinema historically?

Fans have always been involved with cinema, from writing fan letters and creating amateur films to forming fan clubs and participating in events. Over time, this involvement expanded with the advent of fan fiction, conventions, and online communities like Twitter and blogs, allowing fans to be part of the publicity machine for films.

What is 'transmedia' in the context of cinema?

Transmedia refers to storytelling across multiple media platforms, where each medium contributes something unique to the overall narrative experience. The *Matrix* franchise is an example, extending its story through films, animated shorts, video games, and comics. This approach is now common in modern cinema and entertainment.

How does the speaker suggest cinema will evolve in terms of technology and audience engagement?

Cinema will continue to embrace technological advancements like virtual reality and immersive experiences, such as 4D or 5D cinema. At the same time, the audience will demand more meaningful participation, from crowdfunding films to engaging in transmedia storytelling, contributing not just as spectators but as creators and investors.