Media & Money: Crash Course Media Literacy #5

Summary

This Crash Course Media Literacy episode delves into the financial aspects of media production, highlighting how money influences the creation and content of media. It discusses the decision-making process behind film production, the role of purpose and focus in media, and the impact of representation on consumer perception. The video also touches on how stereotypes are perpetuated due to financial incentives and the historical dominance of certain groups in media creation. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding who creates media, their motivations, and the implications for diverse representation.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The media industry is a significant money-making business, influencing the production and content of various media forms.
• 💭 Media is created with specific purposes, such as entertainment, information, or persuasion, which guide the creation process and impact the audience.
• 👀 The decision-making process in media production involves numerous factors, including idea generation, scriptwriting, casting, and financial considerations.
• 💸 Financial aspects play a crucial role in media production, as it often requires substantial investment, which can lead to a focus on profitability over creative risks.
• 🎞️ Movies and other media are not just for entertainment; they can also tackle important social issues and spark cultural conversations.
• 🔍 The focus of media content is a deliberate choice that can include or exclude certain topics, influencing public perception and understanding.
• 🌐 Media representation is a choice that shapes how different groups are perceived, and stereotypical depictions can reinforce societal biases.
• 🔁 The cycle of media creation is often dominated by those with financial resources, which can limit diverse voices and perpetuate existing power structures.
• 💭 Critical theorists argue that homogenous mass media can lead to passive consumption and the creation of artificial needs, driven by profit motives.
• 📱 Social media has the potential to disrupt traditional media by amplifying diverse voices and challenging conventional media practices.

Q & A

What was the box office revenue of Finding Dory in 2016?

Finding Dory made 486 million dollars in 2016.

How much advance money did Barack and Michelle Obama receive for their books?

Barack and Michelle Obama received 65 million dollars in advance for their newest books.

What was Beyonce's reported income in 2017?

Beyonce made 105 million dollars in 2017.

Why is understanding the business side of media important for media literacy?

Understanding the business of media is key to the full media literacy picture because it helps to understand how and why media is produced, which includes the financial motivations and impacts behind the creation of various forms of media.

What are some of the decisions a movie director might face when creating a film?

A movie director might face decisions such as choosing between an original film, a remake, or a sequel, deciding who will write the script, selecting a studio to work with, casting, set design or location scouting, hiring a CGI company, and managing the film's schedule.

How does the purpose of a piece of media, like a movie, influence its creation and impact?

The purpose of a piece of media, such as to entertain, inform, or persuade, influences its creation by guiding the content and style. It also impacts how the audience perceives and interacts with the media, as different purposes can lead to different interpretations and reactions.

What is the role of 'focus' in media creation and how can it sometimes be manipulative?

Focus in media creation refers to the topic or subject chosen for inclusion, which also implies what is excluded. It can be manipulative when certain aspects are deliberately left out to shape a particular narrative or perception, such as an advertisement focusing only on the positive taste of a soda without mentioning its sugar content or health implications.

How does media representation affect our understanding of different groups of people?

Media representation can significantly impact our understanding of different groups of people by shaping their portrayal and influencing public perception. Stereotypes and underrepresentation can lead to misconceptions and biases, while accurate and diverse representation can promote understanding and acceptance.

Why do media creators sometimes rely on stereotypes in their work?

Media creators sometimes rely on stereotypes because they are familiar and easily understood by audiences, which can save time and resources. Additionally, using familiar stereotypes can appeal to a broader audience without alienating conservative viewers, potentially leading to higher viewership and revenue.

What is the cycle that prevents diverse voices from creating media and how does it perpetuate?

The cycle that prevents diverse voices from creating media is one where media creation is mostly done by those who already have money, and they tend to invest in projects that they believe will make more money, often choosing people with proven track records in media that makes money. This cycle perpetuates by keeping cultural power and media creation opportunities within a limited group, reinforcing existing stereotypes and ideologies.

How have critical theorists like Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer viewed the impact of mass media on society?

Critical theorists Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer viewed mass media as dangerous because they believed it created a homogenous culture that lulled consumers into passive contentment and manufactured needs that could only be satisfied by consuming more products.

What role has social media played in challenging traditional media creation and representation?

Social media has played a significant role in challenging traditional media by lifting up diverse voices and highlighting negative or non-existent representations in mass media. It has also provided a platform for social media campaigns that bring attention to these issues, although mega media players still tend to dominate the scene.